Tom Wright shows his ability against the Fijian Drua in 2023. Photo: Brumbies Rugby.
With 50 per cent of Brumbies players going on to play for the Wallabies, the task of picking the greatest ACT 15 of all time is no easy task.
In fact, it is downright impossible to separate players who have made an enormous impact on the game.
What I have endeavoured to do is select players based on their time with the Brumbies, but I am not looking at their impact before or after their stints with the Brumbies.
Potentially the hardest decisions were around comparing players from different eras and whether I could fit both George Smith and David Pocock in the same team.
Another dilemma was the potential selection of Andrew Walker, who only played 26 games for the Brumbies, but made an enormous impact, becoming Super Rugby’s leading try scorer in 2000.
Walker, though, comes up against Henry Speight and Tom Wright for a position, alongside Joe Roff in the background three.
So, here is my team:
For loose head prop, I have gone for James Slipper ahead of Bill Young, who played 100 games for the Brumbies, and one of the club’s originals, Patricio Noriega.
The selection of hooker was a tough choice, but I went for Jeremy Paul just ahead of Stephen Moore. Both played over 100 games for the Brumbies and Moore was an outstanding leader. Both were good in the set piece, but I felt as though Paul’s running game edged him across the line.
For tight head prop, I have gone for Allan Alaalatoa ahead of Ben Alexander and Ben Darwin.
The selection of two locks was incredibly difficult in a field full of stars – Arnold, Frost, Giffin, Harrison, Chisholm and Samu, to name but a few.
I have selected Rory Arnold as one lock. At 6’10”, he was as effective in the lineup as he was around the park.
For his partner at lock, I have gone left field and selected Owen Finegan. At 6’6″, he was no slouch in the lineout and brutal around the field.
One of the reasons why I have gone for Finegan at lock as opposed to number eight or blindside flanker is my desire to include Rob Valetini at number eight, David Pocock at six and George Smith at seven.
I could understand if some would leave Finegan out or name him at six or eight and include Frost or Harrison at lock.
The selection of Smith and Pocock in the same lineup will be contentious but it would allow the Brumbies to play an up-tempo brand of rugby.
The selection of half back and fly half is a no brainer with George Gregan partnering Steve Larkham.
I have gone for Matt Giteau at inside centre ahead of Rod Kafer and Pat Howard.
Matt Giteau playing in the John I Dent Cup. Photo: Jaye Grieshaber.
Stirling Mortlock, who was the most destructive running back in his prime, is my selection at outside centre just ahead of Len Ikitau. Mortlock racked up 117 games for the Brumbies.
On one wing, there is no contest. Joe Roff has a hammerlock on that position as the leading try scorer of all time with 57.
On the other wing, I have gone for Henry Speight, who scored 44 tries in 122 games for the Brumbies. I have selected Speight ahead of Clyde Rathbone, Mark Gerrard, Mitch Hardy and Andrew Walker.
I have selected Walker at fullback. Despite only playing 26 games for the Brumbies, he was absolutely electrifying every time he touched the ball.
I could have just as easily gone for Tom Wright or Tom Banks, and it came down to having to make a decision between the three.
So, my all-time Brumbies team is: Slipper, Paul, Alaalatoa, Arnold, Finegan, Pocock, Valetini, Smith, Gregan, Larkham, Roff, Giteau, Mortlock, Speight and Walker.
Moore, Young, Alexander, Harrison, Fardy, White, Ikitau and Gerrard will make up the bench.
