Your Clubs Best Ever XV

I did this last in July 2011  
 
I was just curious to see whether any of you guys would change your teams...so go on pop down your best sides.
Remember its more about players that played really well for you...not just good players who played for a few games for you.
 
Mine is still roughly the same...
 
1 Nick Popplewell
2 Ross Nesdale
3 Carl Hayman
4 Doddie Weir
5 Roger Uttley
6 Pat Lam
7 Andrew Mower
8 Dean Ryan (C)
 
9 Gary Armstrong
10 Johnny Wilkinson
11 Inga Tuigamala
12 John Leslie
13 Alan Tait
14 Tony Underwood
15 Matt Burke
 
Noteable Mentions
Toby Flood
Jaime Noon
Colin Charvis
Matty Tait
Gareth Archer
Tim Stimson
George Graham
Geoff Parling

Looking only mainly at retired players:

Graham Rowntree
Peter Wheeler
Julian White
Martin Johnson
Ben Kay
Martin Corry
Neil Back
Dean Richards
Austin Healy
Les Cusworth Toby Flood (need a goal kicker)
Rory Underwood
WillGreenwood
Clive Woodward
Barry Evans
Geordan Murphy

Stransky at 10 LT? I was young at the time but he was great whilst he was at the club and I'd probably push Murphy to the wing to accommodate Dusty Hare who's record as a goal kicker is untouchable. Perhaps a more mobile Moody on the backrow as well.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Stransky at 10 LT? I was young at the time but he was great whilst he was at the club and I'd probably push Murphy to the wing to accommodate Dusty Hare who's record as a goal kicker is untouchable. Perhaps a more mobile Moody on the backrow as well.

Last time I did my version, Hare was at FB, but I have to have Murphy in there now he has retired. Considered Stransky, but my memory with us was not great - better than Kronfeld, but still a little so so.

Saracens


1.Jason Leonard Mako Vunipola (perhaps a bit premature but a Lion already)
2.Raphael Ibanez Schalk Brits (has been immense for us)
3.Paul Wallace
4.Scott Murray Steve Borthwick (the current captain, been brilliant for us)
5.Paddy Johns
6.Richard Hill
7.Francois Pienaar
8.Tony Diprose Kelly Brown (been excellent, can cover no 8)
9.Kyran Bracken
10.Michael Lynagh
11.David Strettle
12.Tim Horan
13.Phillipe Sella
14.Dan Luger
15.Thomas Casteignede

Still not great on the wings but not too bad a side. By the way I have crossed out Leonard because he played for Quins more.

Honourary mention

Ernst Joubert
Justin Marshall
Shane Byrne
Schalk Brits
Thierry Lacroix
Glen Jackson
Owen Farrell
Alex Goode
Charlie Hodgson
Tom Shanklin
Danny Grewcock
Nicky Little
Kensuke Iwabuchi
Brad Barritt

beshocked wrote:
Honourary mention

Tom Shanklin

If Shanklin gets a mention, surely his landlord, Flats who stayed with you a season longer deserves one too.

Very true. Plenty of players deserve a mention too but I can't remember them all!

Chuter deserves one too.

15.) Barry Davies
14.) Garan Evans
13.) Mark Taylor
12.) Matthew Watkins
11.) Salesi Finau
10.) Stephen Jones
9.) Mike Phillips

1.) Iestyn Thomas
2.) Robin McBryde
3.) John Thiel
4.) Vernon Cooper (capt)
5.) Chris Wyatt
6.) Dave Hodges
7.) Simon Easterby
8.) Scott Quinnell

16.) John Davies
17.) Aled Gravelle
18.) Bryn Griffiths
19.) Dafydd Jones
20.) Dale Burn
21.) Gareth Bowen
22.) Leigh Davies

That is probably the best Scarlets side to have ever been feilded together (not Llanelli mind), however going on an all time Scarlets team I guess it would be

15) Morgan Stoddart
14) George North
13) Jon Davies
12) Regan King
11) Daf James
10) Stephen Jones
9) Dwayne Peel

1) Iestyn Thomas
2) Robbie McBryde
3) John Davies
4) Johan Snyman
5) Chris Wyatt
6) Daf Jones
7) Simon Easterby
8) Scott Quinnell

16) Ken Owens
17) Martyn Madden (first time around)
18) Rhys Thomas
19) Vernon Cooper
20) Ben Morgan
21) Mike Phillips
22) Rhys Priestland
23) Barry Davies

If I pick, i.e. Mehrtens, is it Mehrtens as he played for us or Mehrtens at his best?

We all dream of a team of Sean O'Briens, a team of Sean O'Briens, a team of Sean O'Briens,

We all dream of a team of Sean O'Briens, a team of Sean O'Briens, a team of Sean O'Briens,

Number 1 is Sean O'Brien, Number two oow ow is Sean O'Brien. Number 3 is Sean O'Brien, Number Fou ooor is Sean O'Brian.

We all dream of a team of Sean O'Briens, a team of Sean O'Briens, a team of Sean O'Briens,

Number 5..... Well you get the picture.

If Mehrtens played for you whilst still at the top of his game then yes.
 
If he played for you at the end of his career when his game was maybe on the serious decline..then dont pick him as his best was for another club (unless him on the decline was still the best you've ever had...)

OK - assuming that all players are in top form -

Jason Leaonard
Brian Moore (keith Wood)
James Johnston
Paul Ackford
Gareth Llewellyn
Micky Skinner
Robshaw (David Wilson)
Zinzan Brooke (Easter - Chris Sheasby)
Danny Care (Nick Duncombe)
Mehrtens (NEV)
Gonzo Camacho (Luger)
Will Greenwood
Will Carling
Ugo Monye
Mike Brown

This is a tough one for an Edinburgh fan - so much mediocrity to choose from.....

1.Jacobsen 2.Ford 3.Nel 4.Hines 5.Murray 6.Denton 7.Rennie 8.Taylor 9.Blair 10.Godman 11.Visser 12.Scott 13.De Luca 14.Webster 15.Paterson

Honourable mentions to Cross, Blackadder, Hamilton, Hogg, Laidlaw, Cairns and Southwell.

Due to my age, mine is pretty much the one that won the Premiership, plus a couple of players!

Well LT, Hare would have sorted your need for a goal kicker and Murphy started on the wing whilst Stimpson was still at the club.

For me (at 26 my memory doesn't go back that far in terms of history)

1. Rowntree
2. Cockerill (I have high hopes for Tom Youngs though)
3. Garforth (ABC front row combination)
4. Johnson
5. Kay
6. Moody
7. Back
8. Corry (I'm too young to have seen Richards and Corry was always the stoic face of Tigers for me)
9. Youngs
10. Healey
11. Alesana Tuilagi (can't remember much of Underwood other than he scores for fun and a Tuilagi is surely a requirement in a Tigers team)
12. Howard
13. Ollie Smith (2003 to 2005 edition)
14. Murphy
15. Hare (never saw him play but his kicking figures are incredible, plus my team lacks a goal kicker)

This is a difficult one as most of us will go on players we've seen rather than years gone by.  What I've tried to do is a mix of both so any in brackets are the best I've seen, but not necessarily regarded as the best to don the cherry and white:
1. Phil Blakeway (Trevor Woodman)
2. Steve Mills (Olivier Azam)
3. Mike Burton (Phil Vickery)
4. Ian Jones
5. John Fidler (Marco Bortolami)
6. John Gadd (Jake Boer)
7. Andy Hazell
8. Mike Teague
9. Mickey Booth (Dimitri Yachvilli)
10. Chris Williams (Ludovic Mercier)
11. James Simpson-Daniel
12. John Bayliss (Robert Todd)
13. Terry Fanolua
14. Peter Ford (Phillipe Saint-Andre)
15. Don Rutherford (Thinus Delport)

Professional era obviously;

1. Robbie Kempson
2. Rory Best
3. John Afoa
4. Johann Muller
5. Gary Longwell
6. Stephen Ferris
7. Andy Ward
8. Roger Wilson
9. Ruan Pienaar
10. David Humphreys
11. Andrew Trimble
12. Paddy Wallace
13. Paul Steinmetz
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Jared Payne

Most of our greatest ever (pro era only) are still at the club then. It grieves me this Ulster team hasn't landed a trophy yet.

Can't remember what I picked last time, but here goes
Crusaders
1. Greg Feek
2. Mark Hammett
3. Owen Franks
4. Brad Thorn
5. Chris Jack
6. Reuben Thorne
7. Richie McCaw
8. Keiran Read
9. Justin Marshall
10. Dan Carter
11. Zac Guildford
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Daryl Gibson
14. Marika Vunibaka
15. Israel Dagg

Bench:
Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn, Greg Somerville, Sam Whitelock, Scott Robertson, Kahn Fotuali'i, Andrew Mehrtens, Leon MacDonald

Unlucky: Aaron Mauger (very - lost out to SBW to start, and Merhts for the bench), Andy Ellis (just missed the bench), Caleb Ralph (omitted because I don't like the guy), Norm Maxwell (Sam Whitelock's come up in a hurry)


Note, back in 2005 the following "team of the 1st decade" was named
15 Leon MacDonald
14 Norm_Berryman
13 Daryl_Gibson
12 Aaron Mauger
11 Caleb Ralph
10 Andrew Mehrtens
9 Justin_Marshall
8 Scott_Robertson
7 Richie McCaw
6 Todd_Blackadder
5 Norm_Maxwell
4 Chris Jack
3 Greg_Somerville
2 Mark_Hammett
1 Greg_Feek



PS, Jen, the Crusaders' title victory song is a bit simpler:
Reuben Thorne Reuben Thorne Reuben Thorne 
Reuben Thorne Reuben Thorne Reuben Thorne 
Reuben Thorne Reuben Thorne Reuben Thorne 
REU! BEN! THORNE!

(Titles have been a bit thin on the ground since he retired too . He wasn't much of an All Black, but at provincial level ...)

formerly known as Sam wrote:Well LT, Hare would have sorted your need for a goal kicker and Murphy started on the wing whilst Stimpson was still at the club.

For me (at 26 my memory doesn't go back that far in terms of history)

1. Rowntree
2. Cockerill (I have high hopes for Tom Youngs though)
3. Garforth (ABC front row combination)
4. Johnson
5. Kay
6. Moody
7. Back
8. Corry (I'm too young to have seen Richards and Corry was always the stoic face of Tigers for me)
9. Youngs
10. Healey
11. Alesana Tuilagi (can't remember much of Underwood other than he scores for fun and a Tuilagi is surely a requirement in a Tigers team)
12. Howard
13. Ollie Smith (2003 to 2005 edition)
14. Murphy
15. Hare (never saw him play but his kicking figures are incredible, plus my team lacks a goal kicker)

I would have put Daryl Gibson in the centres for you guys Sam.

Always thought the team that have the wrecking ball combo of Rambeni and Alessana was exceptional too.

I think Glasgow's would be pretty close to the current team. I've had a go.

1.Grant 2.Bulloch 3.Cusack 4.Swinson 5.Kellock 6.White 7.Barclay 8.Beattie 9.Matawalu 10.Parks 11.DTH 12.Dunbar 13.S Lamont 14.Maitland 15.Hogg

Hugely honourable mentions to Euan Murray, Kelly Brown, Strauss, Chris Cusiter, Graeme Morrison, Glenn Metcalfe and of course, T-Bone.

Always thought the team that have the wrecking ball combo of Rabeni and Alessana was exceptional too.

For a period those two were a horrifying thought for the opposition. They were absolutely awesome....

This is the Bath team from the 1992 Pilkington cup final:

Webb, Swift, Guscott, De Glanville, Fallon, Barnes, Hill, Chilcott, Dawe, Ubogu, Ojomoh, Redman, Haag, Robinson, Clarke

Frankly, that or any of the teams put out in the early 90s would be in a strong position for best team, just due to their success! Arguably swap Hall and Trick into that team and it would be the best.

A team from the more recent pro era:

Matt Perry
Ieuan Evans
Jerry Guscott
Mike Catt
Butch James
Elivs Sevialli (only for scoring the try which sent Bristol down not Bath)
Michael Claassens
Dan Lyle
Ben Clarke
Eric Peters
Danny Grewcock
Nigel Redman
David Barnes
Mark Regan
David Flatman


Still quite a few players from the early pro era, which tells you a lot about Bath's fortunes in the 2000s.

Propdavid, Rabeni on his day was awesome, only issue being his day was about 1 in every 4 games. That lack of consistency saw him miss out in my selection even though he was a beast. It was a tough call at 12 with Greenwood, Mauger, Gibson and Howard. Howard nudged it just.

beshocked wrote:Saracens


1.Jason Leonard Mako Vunipola (perhaps a bit premature but a Lion already)
2.Raphael Ibanez Schalk Brits (has been immense for us)
3.Paul Wallace
4.Scott Murray Steve Borthwick (the current captain, been brilliant for us)
5.Paddy Johns
6.Richard Hill
7.Francois Pienaar
8.Tony Diprose Kelly Brown (been excellent, can cover no 8)
9.Kyran Bracken
10.Michael Lynagh
11.David Strettle
12.Tim Horan
13.Phillipe Sella
14.Dan Luger
15.Thomas Casteignede

Still not great on the wings but not too bad a side. By the way I have crossed out Leonard because he played for Quins more.

Honourary mention

Ernst Joubert
Justin Marshall
Shane Byrne
Schalk Brits
Thierry Lacroix
Glen Jackson
Owen Farrell
Alex Goode
Charlie Hodgson
Tom Shanklin
Danny Grewcock
Nicky Little
Kensuke Iwabuchi
Brad Barritt

not forgetting Ben Clarke!!

funnyExiledScot wrote:I think Glasgow's would be pretty close to the current team. I've had a go.

1.Grant 2.Bulloch 3.Cusack 4.Swinson 5.Kellock 6.White 7.Barclay 8.Beattie 9.Matawalu 10.Parks 11.DTH 12.Dunbar 13.S Lamont 14.Maitland 15.Hogg

Hugely honourable mentions to Euan Murray, Kelly Brown, Strauss, Chris Cusiter, Graeme Morrison, Glenn Metcalfe and of course, T-Bone.

Jesus that backrow looks tasty!

Doh, just thought about the sort of team the Auckland Blues would field

1 Steve McDowell
2 Sean Fitzpatrick
3 Olo Brown
4 Ian Jones
5 Robin Brooke
6 Jerome Kaino
7 Michael Jones
8 Zinzan Brooke
9 Piri Weepu
10 Carlos Spencer
11 Jonah Lomu
12 Walter Little
13 Frank Bunce
14 Doug Howlett
15 Mils Muliaina

Bench: Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Ali Williams, Daniel Braid, Junior Tonu'u, Luke McAlister, Rupeni Caucaunibuca

Three all-time world XV players in the pack, and no room for the likes of Rokocoko, Ranger, Flavell, Nonu (only there 1 season and was poor), Nacewa, Nick Evans

Ouch now THATS a team!!!!!

Glasgow

1.Grant
2.Bulloch
3.Murray
4.Gray
5.Kellock
6.White
7.Barclay
8.Beattie

9.Matawalu
10.Hayes

11.T Evans
12.Henderson
13.M Evans
14.DTH
15.Hogg

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:Doh, just thought about the sort of team the Auckland Blues would field

1 Steve McDowell
2 Sean Fitzpatrick
3 Olo Brown
4 Ian Jones
5 Robin Brooke
6 Jerome Kaino
7 Michael Jones
8 Zinzan Brooke
9 Piri Weepu
10 Carlos Spencer
11 Jonah Lomu
12 Walter Little
13 Frank Bunce
14 Doug Howlett
15 Mils Muliaina

Bench: Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Ali Williams, Daniel Braid, Junior Tonu'u, Luke McAlister, Rupeni Caucaunibuca

Three all-time world XV players in the pack, and no room for the likes of Rokocoko, Ranger, Flavell, Nonu (only there 1 season and was poor), Nacewa, Nick Evans

I can't see any side bettering that!

HongKongCherry wrote:

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:Doh, just thought about the sort of team the Auckland Blues would field

1 Steve McDowell
2 Sean Fitzpatrick
3 Olo Brown
4 Ian Jones
5 Robin Brooke
6 Jerome Kaino
7 Michael Jones
8 Zinzan Brooke
9 Piri Weepu
10 Carlos Spencer
11 Jonah Lomu
12 Walter Little
13 Frank Bunce
14 Doug Howlett
15 Mils Muliaina

Bench: Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Ali Williams, Daniel Braid, Junior Tonu'u, Luke McAlister, Rupeni Caucaunibuca

Three all-time world XV players in the pack, and no room for the likes of Rokocoko, Ranger, Flavell, Nonu (only there 1 season and was poor), Nacewa, Nick Evans

I can't see any side bettering that!

 I know. Mutter mutter mutter.

IMO the early -mid 90's Auckland/Blues side is the strongest non-international one of all time - London Welsh in the 70s wasn't bad, but the pack of McDowell/Fitzy/Brown plus the Brooke brothers, the Whetton twins & Michael Jones gave Grant Fox a superb base. And he then had the likes of Joe Stanley, Inga Tuigamala & John Kirwan outside him.

Matt Perry
Ieuan Evans
Jerry Guscott
Mike Catt
Adebayo Adebayo
Butch James
Andy Nichol
Ben Clarke
Luke Watson
Francois Louw
Danny Grewcock
Steve Borthwick
Gareth Chilcott
Mark Regan
Victor Ubugo

Nacewa
Shaggy
BOD
Darcy
Hickie
Sexton
Redden
Heaslip
Jenno
SOB
Cullen
O'Kelly
Wright
Strauss
Healy.

LeinsterFan - no space for Rocky Elsom or Thorne?

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:Doh, just thought about the sort of team the Auckland Blues would field

1 Steve McDowell
2 Sean Fitzpatrick
3 Olo Brown
4 Ian Jones
5 Robin Brooke
6 Jerome Kaino
7 Michael Jones
8 Zinzan Brooke
9 Piri Weepu
10 Carlos Spencer
11 Jonah Lomu
12 Walter Little
13 Frank Bunce
14 Doug Howlett
15 Mils Muliaina

Bench: Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Ali Williams, Daniel Braid, Junior Tonu'u, Luke McAlister, Rupeni Caucaunibuca

Three all-time world XV players in the pack, and no room for the likes of Rokocoko, Ranger, Flavell, Nonu (only there 1 season and was poor), Nacewa, Nick Evans

That team looks deadly.

I'd be curious to see how the other SR sides teams shape up as well...

Oh and with my Quins glasses on i'd still go NEV over Spencer or Mccalister.

yappysnap wrote:Oh and with my Quins glasses on i'd still go NEV over Spencer or Mccalister.

Evans only played 12 games for the Blues though, in 2008. I was basing selection on performance for them, not on overall career.

1 Neemia Tialata
2 Andrew Hore
3 Gordon Slater
4 Jeremy Thrush
5 Paul Tito
6 Jerry Collins
7 Rodney So'oialo
8 Victor Vito
9 Piri Weepu
10 Aaron Cruden
11 Jonah Lomu
12 Tana Umaga
13 Conrad Smith
14 Corey Jane (Doug Howlett only did one season with us)
15 Christian Cullen

As the numbers get bigger the team gets better.

1. Craig Dowd
2. Raphael Ibanez
3. Jeff Probyn
4. Simon Shaw
5. Richard Birkett
6. Joe Worsley
7. Paul Volley/Tom Rees
8. LBND

9. Rob Howley
10. Alex King
11. Paul Sackey
12. Stuart Abbott
13. Fraser Waters
14. Josh Lewsey
15. Mark Van Gisbergen

propdavid_london wrote:OK - assuming that all players are in top form -

Jason Leonard
Brian Moore (keith Wood)
James Johnston
Paul Ackford
Gareth Llewellyn
Micky Skinner Andre Vos
Robshaw (David Wilson)
Zinzan Brooke (Easter - Chris Sheasby)
Danny Care (Nick Duncombe)
Mehrtens (NEV)
Gonzo Camacho (Luger)
Will Greenwood
Will Carling
Ugo Monye
Mike Brown

That's a pretty good start, though I'd be inclined to go for your alternates over some of your first choices. Brooke and Mehrtens were past their best when they came to us, but we have had much of the best of NEv's career. I'm torn over Care vs Duncombe - but I would probably go for Duncombe given what we got in his tragically short time with us, and an honourable mention for Andy Gomarsall, who gave us a season of outright brilliance in 2006-7.

But I'd also be inclined to take up my crystal ball and argue that many of Quins very best players may be only just starting their careers. In 10 years' time I'd not be surprised to see a "best ever" lineup that reads something like:

Leonard (*) - Buchanan - Sinckler
Ackford - Matthews
Robshaw - Wallace - Clifford
Duncombe - Evans (+)
Greenwood - Walker
Monye - Brown - Chisholm

(* - this is very harsh on Marler. But c'mon. It's Jason Leonard. Bring us the 2015 RWC, Joe, and you can have his shirt)
(+ - part of me always wants to suggest Adrian Stoop at 10. None of us can have seen him play, but the very fact that every rugby team in the world plays to his model of back play says it all)

15. Isa Nacewa
14. Tony O'Reilly*
13. Who else?*
12. Gordan Darcy*
11. Denis Hickie*
10. Ward*/Campbell*/Sexton*/Contepomi - we have had a few good OHs.
9. John Robbie* played for Ireland the Lions and SA.
8. Eric Millar* or Jamie Heaslip*
7. Fergus Slattery* (IRB hall of fame)
6. Elsom
5. Malcolm O'Kelly*
4. Nathan Hines*
3. ??????????
2. Ronnie Dawson/Karl Mullen* (both captained the Lions)
1. Cian Healy*

*Lions players.

Did Hickie not go on the Lions in 05?

SirBurger wrote:Did Hickie not go on the Lions in 05?

Sorry yes he did.

funnyExiledScot wrote:I think Glasgow's would be pretty close to the current team. I've had a go.

1.Grant 2.Bulloch 3.Cusack 4.Swinson 5.Kellock 6.White 7.Barclay 8.Beattie 9.Matawalu 10.Parks 11.DTH 12.Dunbar 13.S Lamont 14.Maitland 15.Hogg

Hugely honourable mentions to Euan Murray, Kelly Brown, Strauss, Chris Cusiter, Graeme Morrison, Glenn Metcalfe and of course, T-Bone.

fES,

you nearly got it
1. Grant 2 MacArthur /Hall 3. Welsh. 4 Swinson 5. Kellock 6 Strauss 7 Barcs 8 Beattie 9 Nikoooo. 10 Weir. 11 DTH Vd M 12 Hornee furra Linnee 13 Dunbar 14. Schlong 15 I would say Hogg but Bernie Stortoni is a Glasgow legend

Mentions to Morrison, Kellybrows, Tommy Hayes , Big Bad Jason and Hoggy Soon to be the Messiah:angel: 

Nobody mentioning Gleeson for the Leinster side? Although the majority of any Leinster 15 would have to be from the triple HC winners. I think O'Brien and Hines were better for Leinster than Elsom and Thorne.

I always thought Slattery was Munster. I really know nothing of the amateur era. It'd be good if some old farts could give us some best provincial sides of the amateur era. Ulster has produced some fairly legendary players. Although I don't even know if people like Willie John and Gibson played for Ulster. That's how ignorant I am of that era.

Some of the sides mentioned are incredibly good. But surely the Auckland one would spank any of them.

GunsGerms wrote:
8. Eric Millar* or Jamie Heaslip*

Has to be Heaslip surely? Miller went onhis Lions tour when at Leicester rather than at Leinster.

If we were naming the club side based on what they did internationally I would go:

Rowntree - Lion
Wheeler - Lion (or West - Lion and RWC winner)
White - Lion and RWC winner
Johnson - Lion and RWC winner
Kay - Lion and RWC winner
Moody - Lion and RWC winner
Back - Lion and RWC winner
Corry - Lion and RWC winner
Healey/Ellis/Youngs - All Lions
Stransky - RWC Winner
Rory Underwood - Lion
Greenwood - Lion and RWC winner
Woodward - Lion and RWC winner
Tony Underwood - Lion
Murphy or Hare - Lions

LondonTiger wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:
8. Eric Millar* or Jamie Heaslip*

Has to be Heaslip surely? Miller went onhis Lions tour when at Leicester rather than at Leinster.

Millar started out at Leinster and ended his career at Leinster. He played for them more than anyone. He might have been at Leicester when picked for the Lions but was at Leinster the previous year so not much difference.

I think he was a class act and a bit of a forgotten man.

Miller was a class act, a great athlete and perhaps a little forgotten. But between Leicester, Ulster and GAA he is only on less than half the Leinster caps that Heaslip is. (And he is only 29)

Heaslip is a Lions test starter since 09. Ireland Captain, and an absolutely PHENOMINAL player.

Coming 2nd to him is absolutely NO disgrace.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Miller was a class act, a great athlete and perhaps a little forgotten. But between Leicester, Ulster and GAA he is only on less than half the Leinster caps that Heaslip is. (And he is only 29)

Heaslip is a Lions test starter since 09. Ireland Captain, and an absolutely PHENOMINAL player.

Coming 2nd to him is absolutely NO disgrace.

Yes Heaslip is amazing alright. I think Miller was the better athlete though and because he played in the amature era and pro era he probably didnt have as many opportunities as Heaslip because the Irish teams werent as good as they are now.

I spose Im just a big Eric Miller fan.

Miller was only 20 when the game went Pro I think.

He was a phenomenal player and ousted Tigers Legend Dean Richards from our side - one hell of an achievement. Wasn't he injured quite a lot when at Ulster?

LondonTiger wrote:Miller was only 20 when the game went Pro I think.

He was a phenomenal player and ousted Tigers Legend Dean Richards from our side - one hell of an achievement. Wasn't he injured quite a lot when at Ulster?

He was injured a lot in general. He was kept out of the 8 Jersey (At Leinster) by first Big Vic and then Jamie. (As a 21 22 year old) Didn't help his Ireland chances.

He should have more Ireland caps in fairness.

Also Jamie Heaslip started rugby at just the right time to set a cap record. The Celtic League had started just before he did. (In it's current form with Welsh regions)

The guy NEVER gets injured. He should end up with the Leinster if not Ireland cap record at some point.