International "Foundation" Player

[Burgs]

Who would you pick from all current International players to be your foundation player in a hypothetical team?
A player that you could build a team around, rely on to inspire and lead by example.

Names that come to mind include Daniel Carter, Chris Jack, Johnnie Wilkinson (if he could ever get off the injury list!), Matthew Burke (yes, he still warrants consideration!), George Smith, Daniel Vickerman, Andy Sheridan, Os Du Rant, Carl Hayman, Gareth Thomas, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Brian O'Driscoll, Frederic Michalak, Felipe Contepomi....just to name a few!

Pick a player, either from above or your own, and give us your justification.

[The Lone Hydrangea]

How about Cannon for his mongruel, nous, and being a respected team man.
No 1 man!

[Darren]

You mentioned him already - Matty Burke! Team him up with Whits and you got the beginings of your South Australian/Northern Territorian/Tasmanian addition to the Super 15 (anyone BUT Victoria please )

[The Lone Hydrangea]

You mentioned him already - Matty Burke! Team him up with Whits and you got the beginings of your South Australian/Northern Territorian/Tasmanian addition to the Super 15 (anyone BUT Victoria please )

Where, Coach! Felix Nelson wont be happy!.

[chook]

Would have to be Phil Waugh for mine, The Angry Rabbit whos willing to die for the ball, not just for the game, but for the next ruck.

[frontrow]

George smith for mine, absolute ball addict, and will do anything to get it at the breakdown, similar in chooks profile of phil waugh. I`d love to have both on my team, but unfortunately there is one kiwi who pretty much needs to be picked on present form.....And that`s hard for me to say as i love my wallabies....

[Shaun]

Well this guy is not a current player but anyways... Gary Teichmann, he was an absolute legend when he captained the Springboks.

At present I could not go past Richie! Always first to the ruck and plays for the team.

[Jethro]

Well this guy is not a current player but anyways... Gary Teichmann, he was an absolute legend when he captained the Springboks.

At present I could not go past Richie! Always first to the ruck and plays for the team.

Wot no mention of Percy

Richie for mine, bloody cantabs.

Would love to see an ANZAC team resurrected sometime after the world cup. Imagine a team with Waugh and Rodders on the rampage Either a total demolition of the opposition, or both players having brain explosions

[The InnFORCEr]

It's hard to say but of current players I'm with Richie as well....the current day John (Nobody) Eales.

An ANZAC team, I'd never thought of that before, that would be awsome. Play a series against the BI Lions & Barbs, I'd like to see that. May need to start another thread Burgs for the ANZAC Team of 2006?

[Burgs]

I think on balance I would lean towards Vickerman at the moment.
A world class player in a tough position (ie few contendors, what Sharpey was for the Force) and with a great work ethic and leadership.
Chose him from (in order) McCaw, Smith and Carter.

[JediKnight]

Historically, and from an inspirational point of view.....Big Gav (Gavin Hastings). Not always to be relied upon for goal-kicking (missing penalty infront of posts at Murrayfield when 6-9 down to England in 2001 RWC semi-final....oh the pain of seeing the ball sail past!) but what a player!

[felixnelson]

Where, Coach! Felix Nelson wont be happy!.

a tasmanian super 15 team haha i would love that
(i would probably get a game too) haha

if it were a:
front rower- andy sheridan
second rower- matfield
back rower-richie mcCaw
halfback- that dimitri guy from france, hes so awesome
flyhalf- carter
center- o'driscoll, D'Arcy or mauger
wing-tuqiri (works hardest) or the little blonde bloke from springboks
fullback-latham/shepherd

[Burgs]

The majority have leaned towards backrowers (and more specifically Richie) which would indicate the way Rugby is moving.
I think if the same question was asked around five years ago we would have all been listing "play makers" (#9 & #10) to base a team around.
Any thoughts?

[blindsid3]

Um...Giteau anyone?

Where to play him tho?

[Burgs]

I think there may lay the problem blindsid3, where to play him?
As a Foundation Player you are possibly looking for a "rock" to build off rather than a star for any occassion?
That's why I didn't go for him after consideration, I was looking for a strong leader who was world class in a difficult position, others may have used other criteria though.