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Joined September 2019
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You know, the guy who was arguably the best hooker of his generation and two-time RWC winner. That guy.
The Roar’s 50 greatest players in Rugby World Cup history: 5-1
Correct. Eales should at least be top 5. Possibly the most skillful lock in the history of the game, two world cups, one as captain. ’nuff said.
The Roar’s 50 greatest players in Rugby World Cup history: 5-1
Oh, please.
Carter was (at least) twice as good as Wilkinson.
Eales with two world cup wins (one as captain) was a far more skillful player than Johnson.
Joel Stransky was a good player who kicked an important field goal. But I’d have Larkham over him any day of the week. Let’s not forget the monster he kicked in ’99 to beat the Boks.
No argument with Lomu at #1. He was a revelation and left a permanent mark on the game.
Controversial inclusion award goes to Jannie de Beer. Bored the world to death with drop goals then disappeared. How does he make the list as a mediocre one-time player? Rupeni Caucaunibuca only played a handful of times in 2003, lit up the tournament and still makes the highlight reels.
Controversial exclusion award goes to Phil Kearns. Arguably the best hooker of his generation and a two-time world champion.
And George Smith. Smith has to be in the top 5 open sides of all modern times (with McCaw, Pocock and Jones). Maybe his RWC record isn’t strong enough, but I’d have him in my 22 any day of the week.
This looks more like an ‘iconic’ rather than ‘best’ list to me.
The Roar’s 50 greatest players in Rugby World Cup history: 5-1
Easy.
15. Matt Burke (Hastings was a great player but never won a RWC)
14. Jonah Lomu (the greatest)
13. Conrad Smith (Jason Little as understudy)
12. Tim Horan (ditto Nonu)
11. David Campese (impossible to leave out – game changer)
10. Dan Carter (Johnny Who? Carter twice the player, twice the 10)
9. Joost van der Westhuizen (awesome player, just shades Gregan)
8. Kieran Reid (Seriously, Dalaglio over Reid?)
7. Richie McCaw (Deserves to be here on his record but I think Jones or Smith the best 7)
6. Thierry Dusatoir (Pienaar is iconic but not the best. Kaino also better)
5. John Eales (’nuff said)
4. Martin Johnson (great player but only here above Whitelock and/or Retalick as captain in ’03)
3. Jason Leonard (yep)
2. Phil Kearns (2x world champion and not even in the 50? please)
1. Os du Randt (yep as well)
The Roar’s 50 greatest Rugby World Cup players wrap-up: Who voted for who, team of the top 50, plus best countries and positions