Rugby Reg
How do you compare three such successful teams? The Brumbies of ’04 – wow. That Grand Final. No one’s gonna call it test match intensity, but I guess it was a bit of fun to watch. And that Tah performance to win in 14 was really, really, really a long time coming.
I guess the easiest way to compare the three wins, is to compare the opposition. What makes that process easier is the fact each team played the Crusaders – pretty much without question the greatest Super Rugby franchise in the history of the tournament.
So who had the toughest competition and, thus, proved themselves the greatest team?
You can write off the Brumbies right away, can’t you? Ben Blair put in one of the all time most horrific performances in professional rugby. Whilst he was on the field he was able to practically gift the thankful Brumbies 33 straight points. He was pulled soon after and the Brumbies could then only stumble their way to another 14 points, whilst conceding 38. And this against a team that featured Cameron McIntyre at 10 whose sole claim to fame is that he is the only Crusader back ever not to play test match rugby.
Moving forward a decade and let’s investigate that 2014 Crusader team. Significantly Dan Carter and Richie McCaw featured in both games, however whilst they were young and raw in ’04, they were creaking veterans against the Tahs. Carter was a bandaid solution at inside centre whilst McCaw wasn’t even skipper and was shunted to blindside flanker. The Waratahs could only manage a last minute victory against this aging Crusader squad for a premiership win that was only 19 years coming.
Now moving impartially to this 2011 Crusader team and wow! What an fantastic squad of athletes. McCaw and Carter were there again, albeit both at the top of their game and actually playing their preferred position (openside and flyhalf respectively). Chuck in two of the best league recruits ever, in Sonny-Bill Williams and Brad Thorn and this Crusader outfit was one that rivaled their great outfits of the late 90’s.
Moving beyond the quality on the paddock, remember that this Crusader team was playing for a community back home. The terrible earthquake that hit Christchurch earlier in the season would steal the red’n’black for a monumental season. They resolved themselves to do it for all those who lost lives or homes and more. They were forced to travel the globe to play their games and they proved themselves to be the toughest and classiest of opponents.
But they were no match for the Reds class of 11. These men were irrepressible in their attack and unbendable in defence. This was a united squad. There was no bickering about the coach like that ’04 Brumbies ‘team’.
The Reds of ’11 reinvigorated rugby, not just in Queensland, but in Australia. Ratings across Australia skyrocketed, crowds at Suncorp boomed, and corporate support went through the roof. Everyone wanted a part of them and to share the glory with the brilliance that was Cooper; the passion that was Horwill; the power that was Ioane, the aggression that was Robinson, the smarts that was Genia and the afro that was Samo.
It is a special team that can defeat an opponent as primed as that Crusaders team were, but an even more special team that can change the destiny of a code in the state and farther afield. The Waratahs of 14 had the typical Sydney-centric hype around them, but even then they failed to make any significant imprint on the rugby landscape and their impact of their win was gone quicker than the fizz of a bottle of Magners Cider.
So sure, admire the breeziness of that Brumbies side who were able to take advantage of an horrendous 30 minutes of final footy by the Crusaders. Appreciate the Tahs who, in 14, were finally able to fulfill the potential that had been promised for almost two decades prior. But you know, when you’re at the pub with your mates, or spending time with your family on holidays – when the talk inevitably comes around to the best rugby teams you’ve seen, then all roads lead to Ballymore and that incredible Reds outfit. Because even if you won’t admit it, We are all Queensland. WE ARE ALL RED! (#WeareReg)
