World XV: Welcome Sir
This is the easiest selection of them all. Pick the best 'openside flank' of all time?
Answer: Soon to be Sir, Richard Hugh McCaw.
McCaw made his debut in 2001 and since has been named International Player of The Year a record three times.
In 2011 his contract was NZ$750,000 per year, making him the equal highest paid player in New Zealand. In the 2011 World Cup pool game against France, McCaw became the first All Black to reach 100 Test caps.
This past Saturday he broke Brian O'Driscoll's world record for the most capped player; 142 Tests.
AussieBoer understands that decades ago teams played with a left and right side flank, not as now – with specialist openside and blindside flanks.
It is also common knowledge that in South Africa the openside plays with the No.6 and the bigger line-out and ball-carrier blindside flank with the No.7.
However, as McCaw is not only the best openside flank of all time, AussieBoer rates him also as the best rugby player of all time.
Closely followed by Gareth Edwards.
McCaw has never dropped his high standard, always flirted with the laws and the player all other openside flanks wanted to test themselves against.
Thus for this purpose to pick openside for the World XV we would see it as No.7. McCaw's No.7 jersey will be just as treasured by fanatics as the Pele and Maradonna No.10 soccer jerseys.
For the Springbok All Time best team I will change the numbers once both flanks will be picked.
To be fair, although I think it is a waste of time, there were other greats as well: Jean-Pierre Reeves, Fergus Slattery, Neil Back, Michael Jones, Ruben Kruger, George Smih, David Poccock, Josh Kronefeld, Schalk Burger, Rob Louw.
However; none dominated the Test arena for so long.
Best Bok openside flanks: Piet Greyling, Jan Ellis, Rob Louw, Schalk Burger, Ruben Kruger, Rassie Erasmus, Francois Pienaar, Corne Krige, Burger Geldenhuys, Boland Coetzee en Piet Veldsman were all top notch players. Some did switch to between the no 6 & 7 during their careers.
AussieBoer's choices are Mr McCaw and Schalk Burger, and yes.
Burger is not a true 'fetcher'. However, he is a machine and a good spoiler.
Burger like Ruben Kruger are/where the guys you can go to war with.
(The Fetcher specialised role only came in over the last decade with law changes).
AussieBoer (Kevin D)
@rugby365com
Vote on the polls below for your openside flanks!
| Best openside flank | Best Bok openside |
