Your home country's greatest XV

Was wondering about your thoughts on Lewsey, Brumby.

 

Josh Lewsey imo was a very good rugby player, for me comparable to guys like Francois Steyn, James O'Connor or Pat Lambie (just without the kicking prowess), but just like those 3 guys was shifted around too much to be able to make a massive impact in a specific position, although his skills as a rugby player was undeniable. He won't make my all time English team however as there were "specialist" players who just outshine him too much.

 

For the most part I agree with your team except for:

2. Steve Thompson
3. Phil Vickery
5. Simon Shaw
7. Neil Back
8. Lawrence Dallaglio
11. Ben Cohen
12. Will Carling (Prefer him over Greenwood).

 

Ben Cohen? Really?

 

Scored 36 tries in 53 tests (I think). Was a great attacker due to his size and considerable speed (for such a big man). He also contributed greatly on defense. Great allround player imo.

 

Woops, was thinking of Cueto haha

 

Mark Cueto wasn't shit either. Probably one of the best bench players ever due to his great versatility. Could play anywhere in the backs, bar 9 & 10, and did so well enough to merit selection.

 

Not even close to ATG team material though

 

For sure. As said, great bench player.

 

I wouldn't seriously consider Cohen for an AT XV. & I say that as a Jimmys fan.

He was a solid finisher, but basically a pretty limited player. Essentially the archetype of the "running slab of muscle" wing that we often churn out (see also John Bentley, Jon Sleightholme, Paul Sackey, Matt Banahan & now Ashton currently). All solid finishers, but not much in the way of vision or guile.

 

His league background means he does run some decent lines (or used to a coupla years back before he lost his mojo), but he just doesn't have the extra something (or, frankly, the out and out gas) that lifts decent internationals into the "potential greats" category.

I mean, it's probably an unfair comparison because George North is certainly in the latter category, but even excluding the big adopted Welshman's physical presence which is far in advance of Ashton's anyway, when one sees the different lines the players run and see how often North can build something besides just finish it's immediately obvious Ashton is a second tier talent.

 

Not sure I'd want Cueto in the centres tbh.

 

For all time,

Teichman at 8 imo, and either Smith can move to 7, or Corne Krige can get a gig.

Brendan Venter a possible over Jacques Fourie too, imo. And I'd have Andre Joubert over Percy in any team that has a genuine placekicker at number 10. (NB: Haven't watched any of these three, but their reputations precede them.

Naas at flyhalf.

Paulse >>>> Pietersen too, imo.

So, my all time would go something like:

1. du Randt
2. Smit
3. Visagie
4. Botha
5. Matfield
6. Burger
7. Krige/Smith
8. Teichman

9. du Preez
10. Botha
11. Habana
12. de Villiers
13. Venter
14. Paulse
15. Joubert

Bear in mind that some of these are from reputation rather than my viewing of them.

 

PS: Another South African that isn't Droos actually posting, woot!

 

Not bad at all. The only player I would strongly debate is JP Pietersen, the rest are surely up there.

 

If that is your ALL TIME best Springbok team you should be ashamed of yourself, boy!


Edit: Just mention next to it that you have no clue of SA Rugby players before the professional era, then it would make sense.