Best ever teams | Blues v Brumbies
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With the Blues taking on the Brumbies in the first semi-final of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific, Ultimate Rugby decided to have a look at the best players who played for these two clubs!
Blues all-time XV
- Tony Woodcock– The former All Blacks prop played 137 times for the Blues, and today still remains one of the game’s greats.
- Keven Mealamu– Another former All Blacks warrior, World Cup winner and Super Rugby legend for the Blues boasting 164 appearances.
- Olo Brown– A stalwart of the early years. Managed to dot down three times for the Blues, representing the Auckland side 33 times between 1996 and 1998.
- Robin Brooke– Brooke led the Blues during the 2001-02 seasons. He was also a key figure during their victorious 1996-97 campaigns.
- Ali Williams– About as famous for his antics off the field as he was for those on them. Nevertheless, a brilliant lineout jumper and hard man in the tight five.
- Jerome Kaino – 83 All Blacks tests and a Super Rugby centurion (137 matches) sees Kaino make the list, especially after having had a stint as Blues captain.
- Michael Jones– Member of the dominant ‘96 and ‘97 sides - has to be in the all-time XV, picking him at seven over Kaino, makes a lot more sense as he debuted there for Auckland.
- Zinzan Brooke – Captained the Blues during the championships in 1996 and 1997. If his Blues’ backline wasn’t so stacked, he’d have done a great job filling in there.
- Steve Devine– A true servant of Auckland rugby, notching 70 caps for the Blues, and it would have been more if not for a series of concussions ending his career.
- Carlos Spencer – None other than Carlos “The King” Spencer could have filled this spot. The Fly-half talisman led the Blues to a famous victory over the Crusaders in 2004.
- Rupeni Caucaunibuca – Regarded the best attacking player on the planet in his prime, just two seasons were enough to lock him in to an all-time wing spot.
- Sam Tuitupou– One of the hardest hitters in Super Rugby– or just flat-out rugby – history, forming a lethal combination with Spencer.
- Reiko Ioane– Statistically will go down as one of the greatest Super Rugby players of all time: 99 appearances and 49 tries, largely from midfield, earns him the jersey.
- Joe Rokocoko – Another All Blacks and Blues legend, the winger made 96 appearances for the Auckland side, and was a lethal finisher on the right wing.
- Doug Howlett – 97 matches for 59 tries. Due to the overflow of talent for the Blues, Howlett slots in the boot where he did play on occasion.
Coach: Sir Graham Henry – Head coach of the ‘96 and ‘97 championship sides. He was also part of the coaching set-up for the 2003 title season.
Brumbies Best XV.
- Scott Sio.With over 100 Super Rugby caps, was a pillar in the scrum for the Brumbies
- Jeremy Paul. Paul revolutionised the concept of a ball playing hooker with the ability of an inside back.
- Allan Alaalatoa. Modern day Brumbies hereo. He played 124 matches
- Rory Arnold. Became the best lock in world rugby at the Brumbies
- David Giffin. Part of the two premiership-winning teams.
- Owen Finegan. Would go on to play nine seasons with the side
- George Smith. He picks himself. Your breakdown ball was his ball
- Scott Fardy. Played 97 matches for the Brumbies
- George Gregan. The man the myth the legend
- Stephen Larkam. One of the Brumbies great
- Mark Gerrard. On his day was unstoppable.
- Matt Giteau. His ability to create something out of nothing through speed, coupled with his physicality.
- Stirling Mortlock. You did not stop that train when he was in high gear
- Henry Speight. Fan favourite Speight was safe under the high ball and lethal on ttack
- Joe Roff. What a player
Coach- Eddie Jones. The Brumbies first title winning coach,