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15: Gavin Hastings, Lions and
Scotland.
Someone I was lucky enough to see play against Northland at Okara Park when he
Captained the Lions in 1993. I ran on to the field to get some autographs –
along with all the other kids - and Gavin stayed out signing programmes and
bit’s of paper for ages. Things like that mean a lot when you’re a kid! He also
came up with a cracker when asked what it was like playing against Jonah Lomu:
“He’s a big bastard isn’t he!”
Runners up: Cullen, Chris Latham, and Glen Osbourne.
14: David Campese, Australia.
A flawed genius, his brilliance and showmanship was inspiring; his mistakes were
entertaining, and his attitude exemplary. Campo was always fun to watch and
listen to.
Runners up: Rory Underwood, JK.
13: Frank Bunce, All Blacks.
What can I say about him that hasn’t been said? A legend. Devastating defence
and great at putting teammates into gaps, as well as capable of taking them
himself.
Runners up: Will Carling, Stirling Mortlock, Jason Little, Joe Stanley, and Tana
Umaga.
12: Tim Horan, Australia.
This guy is in my team because he caused the AB’s (and other teams) so many
headaches. A skilful and talented player that could turn a match for his team,
he commanded respect from opponents and was clearly a big part of the Wallabies.
Runners up: Walter Little,
11: Jonah Lomu, All Blacks.
As Bartman said, he bought a nation to its feet. We should still be standing, as
surely no one could have the impact Jonah had on rugby in New Zealand and
Worldwide again.
Runners up: Terry Wright, Inga.
10: Daniel Carter, All Blacks.
DC’s only been around for a little while in comparison with some of my
favourites, but the impact he’s had on New Zealand Rugby may be the biggest
since Jonah Lomu arrived. What he did to the Lions of 05 was devastating, and
there’s more to come I hope!!
Runners up: Carlos Spencer, Grant Fox, Naas Botha.
9: Joost van der Westhuizen, South
Africa
Part of the 1995 RWC winning Springboks, to me he was a player that always stood
out in any team as a halfback in the extra loose forward mould, not forgetting
his height and wolf-like gaze.
Runners up: David Kirk, Nick Farr-Jones, and Sid Going.
8: Zinzan Brooke, All Blacks.
I’ve got an All Blacks jersey with 8 printed on the back, my humble personal
salute to Zinny. My favourite player of all time, he had all the skills of a
back with the ball in hand, and his ability as a Number 8 to read the game were
something we may never see the likes of again.
Runners up: Buck Shelford.
7: Michael Jones, All Blacks.
Close call for me here as to who is my favourite. I thought of Josh Kronfeld,
and to be honest Richie McCaw makes me bloody happy as well. But I guess ball
fetching loosies that can run with the ball too can pretty much be defined by
any of these guys. Since Jones reinvented the role of the open side flanker
before he lost some speed in “that” injury I lean towards him.
Runners up: Duane Monkley, Josh Kronfeld, and Aaron Hopa.
6: Jerry Collins, All Blacks.
There’s nothing like watching Jerry smash someone. So he wasn’t targeting Chabal
in the second Frog test after his mate Masoe got smashed? Yeah right! That’s why
he’s a favourite for me. He also (allegedly) punched my old landlord, so he’s a
legend for sure.
Runner up: AJ Whetton,
5: Ali Williams, All Blacks.
Seen any other locks chip kick to a winger out wide? Nah, neither have I. Enjoy
the soup Ali, and get back in Black ASAP please!!
Runners up: Colin Meads, Mark Andrews, and Robin Brooke.
4: Ian Jones, All Blacks.
Kamo had to leave Kamo, but you could always tell that his heart was still in
Kamo. Just like a Kauri in stature and nature, he was a skilled jumper and
capable of running with the ball too. His partnership with Robin Brooke brought
about great times for the All Black lineout. Ah, the good old days when Fitzy
would throw the ball to Brooke or Jones and we’d have it.
Runners up: John Eales, Royce Willis.
3: Olo Brown, All Blacks.
Big Olo didn’t say much. He just quietly went about being brilliant at keeping
the All Black pack steady, and every now and then smiling as they won tests. So
he kept me smiling too.
Runners up: Richard Loe, Os du Randt.
2: Sean Fitzpatrick, All Blacks.
Leading the AB’s to their first ever series win in South Africa whilst playing
himself to a standstill in the final test was enough to make me get over Fitzy
being a dirty chatty mongrel. Remember when he chose to scrum the Bok’s? That
was a proud moment; I bet his old man was grinning.
Runners up: Keith Wood, Norm Hewitt (couldn’t resist making him sit on the bench
for Fitzy again!)
1: Steve McDowell, All Blacks.
All Black Front-rower, Judo champ, and Movie star. Class!
Runner up: Ollie Le Roux.
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