(All Blacks)
Perhaps the only rugby player who has truly made my heart sing. A poet, an artist, a thoroughbred. To watch Cully glide across the turf with a rugby ball was an ethereal experience. Never been anyone like him, before or since.
14. Jeff Wilson
(All Blacks)
A predictable selection, I know. But Goldie meant too much to too many of us of a certain generation to leave out. Arguably the most gifted New Zealand sportsman we’ve ever seen.
13. Annaleah Rush
(Black Ferns)
This old bloke covered a lot of women’s rugby way back before it was fashionable. And there was just something about Rush. These are not exactly the right words but it was like she was playing "proper rugby" at a time when a lot of women were just learning the game. She was a brilliant all-round player.
12. Philippe Sella
(France)
The first man to reach 100 test caps was a sublime player. As the All Blacks often discovered.
11. Jonah Lomu
(All Blacks)
Obviously. I have said many times that while Richie McCaw is the greatest All Black, Jonah had the biggest impact of any New Zealand athlete in any code.
10. Chris Finch
(North Otago)
Time to start playing favourites. Finchy forever holds a place in my heart as he helped inspire a golden era for the Old Golds.
9. Thomas Hutton
(Waitaki Boys’)
My one year as manager of a first XV was life-changing. We might not have been the greatest team Waitaki has seen — though a 29-0 win over St Kevin’s in the Blood Match was a performance for the ages — but it gave me special memories and lifelong friends. "T-Hutt" is a great all-round Waitakian.
8. Bobby Skinstad
(Springboks)
Just had a bit of rock star about him. At his peak, there was no better No 8.
7. Ross Hay
(North Otago)
Sorry, Richie! My openside flanker will always be the immortal "Bones", a man of unique gifts.
6. Eben Joubert
(Otago)
I have watched, written about and interviewed hundreds of rugby players in my quarter of a century in journalism. A select few stand out for their insight, charisma, attitude and intensity — and the South African-turned-Otago flanker is near the top of the list. A wonderful player and a stand-up bloke.
5. John Eales
(Wallabies)
The Australian legend captains my team, even though he caused New Zealanders so much pain. What skill, what focus, what athleticism. Had it all.
4. Colin Meads
(All Blacks)
Obviously. I so wish I had seen him play in the flesh.
3. Ollie Le Roux
(Springboks)
Just one of those guys. I’m not sure he was a great scrummager, but he seemed to be everywhere with that shiny round face. And it delights me to google him and discover he is a chicken-farming entrepreneur who recently completed an ironman triathlon.
2. Keith Wood
(Ireland)
The modern rampaging hooker set the standard for others to come. A brilliant player.
1. Hotili Asi
(North Otago)
A prop who loved to score tries, and played a huge role in helping my favourite Old Golds team to the top. Also a significant figure at the start of a great era of Pasifika stars in the gold jersey.
Reserves
Barry Fox (North Otago) — Talismanic leader in a great Old Golds era.
Margaret McKenzie (Black Ferns) — "Bro" was one of a kind.
Keith Murdoch (All Blacks) — One of our most fascinating sporting stories.
Paul O’Connell (Ireland/Lions) — Took a shine to him on the 2005 Lions tour.
Zinzan Brooke (All Blacks) — A folk hero to lots of people my age.
Gareth Edwards (Wales) — It appears he could play a bit.
Jake Matthews (North Otago) — Would never hear the end of it if I didn’t include my wee mate.
David Campese (Wallabies) — Everyone loved Campo.
