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Tri-Nations XV

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JimboJoe1006

Chris McKivat (8)
In an attempt to take my mind of this Sunday, been putting together a Tri-Nations XV today. That is, best players from Tri-Nations teams since 1996, not exclusive to performances in 3N games. Anyway, heres what I got;
15. Cullen
14. Lomu
13. Bunce
12. Horan
11. Rokocoko
10. Carter
9. van der Westhuizen
8. Z. Brooke
7. McCaw
6. M. Jones
5. Eales
4. Matfield
3. Haymen
2. Fitzpatrick
1. du Randt

Thoughts?
 
Braveheart81

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
You've gone with a fair few blokes like Michael Jones, Zinzan Brooke, Frank Bunce and Sean Fitzpatrick who really didn't play much Tri Nations rugby.

Obviously greats of the game, but did they really have that much impact on the 3N?
 
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JimboJoe1006

Chris McKivat (8)
Braveheart81 said:
You've gone with a fair few blokes like Michael Jones, Zinzan Brooke, Frank Bunce and Sean Fitzpatrick who really didn't play much Tri Nations rugby.

Obviously greats of the game, but did they really have that much impact on the 3N?
Click to expand...

I think Bunce and Jones was untouchable, peaking in their final years, in '96 and '97 - especially in the Tri-Nations. Jones especially was injury-free if I recall and as a master-stroke switched sides of the scrum. Whilst, Zizan and Fitzpatrick would no doubt make a team which included their whole careers, this team did not. However, they were still the world's best for the two or three years they did play and did not have as much, relative, competition for their positions. Ian Jones, Robin Brooke, Brown and Jeff Wilson were amongst All Blacks to miss by their careers being cut in half.
 
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Jay

Guest
Braveheart81 said:
You've gone with a fair few blokes like Michael Jones, Zinzan Brooke, Frank Bunce and Sean Fitzpatrick who really didn't play much Tri Nations rugby.

Obviously greats of the game, but did they really have that much impact on the 3N?
Click to expand...

Zinzan, Bunce & Fitzpatrick would have been 8-0, two time TN winners. I think Iceman might've played a few matches in 98, so wouldn't be undefeated, but he still won two titles and scored the first ever TN try.

Put it this way - all those guys won the same number of titles as Eales & Matfield.
 
Braveheart81

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
Looking up the stats, Zinzan, Bunce and Fitzpatrick played all of the '96 and '97 3N of which they won all 8 games. They probably do deserve to make this team.

Michael Jones played '96, missed '97 and played '98 which was unsuccessful for the ABs (lost the 3 tests Jones played).
 
#1 Tah

#1 Tah

Chilla Wilson (44)
Benn Robinson reserve prop?

Also, not so much now, but in his prime, John Smit as hooker?
 
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Peter Fenwicke (45)
#1 Tah said:
Benn Robinson reserve prop?

Also, not so much now, but in his prime, John Smit as hooker?
Click to expand...

Begs the question I have been fighting myself over, are we talking longevity/impact over long period of time or quality/win-loss ratio.
If longevity is anything to go by.
1. Du Rant (RSA)
2. Smit (RSA)
3. Heyman (NZL)
4. Sharpe (AUS)
5. Matfield (RSA)
6. Burger (RSA)
7. McCaw (NZL)
8. Kefu (AUS)
9. Gregan (AUS)
10. Larkham (AUS)
11. Lomu (NZL)
12. Umaga (NZL)
13. Mortlock (AUS)
14. Roff/Burke (AUS)
15. Cullen (NZL)
 
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JimboJoe1006

Chris McKivat (8)
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I believe it is pure performance and influence, over a nominal period of time. By this I mean to be considered they have played a reasonable amount of time, the exact number is obviously subjective however. Some say Micheal Jones played enough, some don't. Although, I do not consider simply playing, albit at the highest level, for a long time is a factor of selection. For example Gregan did far more to warrant selection in his first four seasons than in his last eight, or so. Nor did my team consider leadership or combinations.

In honesty, I think that your team is have a modern bias. I didn't even consider Smit, Sharpe, Gregan, Mortlock or Burke (less-modern). Gregan and Burke were amazing players, but I consider Joost and Cullen two of the greatest I have ever seen.
 
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JimboJoe1006

Chris McKivat (8)
Whilst I cannot remember Jonah playing badly, by his standards, in the 3N's, the stats show he scored 4 tries in 20 games (only started 14!). Doug Howlett has 13 in 21. In reflection, unless anyone remembers Jonah more than just score tries in the 3N, I would possibly change this.
 
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