Warriors - Greats of the Arena
Warriors - Greats of the Arena
Welford Road, a fortress of English Rugby. The Millenium Stadium, a fortress of Welsh Rugby. Thomond Park, Munster's Tower of London. Sixways, Worcester's version of Old Trafford? Not quite. Yet 2012 has brought about 5 home games, with a corresponding 5 victories, and Richard Hill's become Worcester's equivalent of Augustus, and the team his Gladiators. The Warriors have had their fair share of 'Legends of the Arena' spanning from a 17st Gloucester man, a 6 foot 8' Glaswegian, to a certain, 'Thinus, Thinus'.
So what is the Warriors greatest side? For me, my team of 23 would possess, strength, passion, guile and a bit of cheekiness on the side. Whether there an early 21st Century veteran or a recent Premiership hero, their talents in abundance would amount to the greatest Warriors side to have ever played the game. Here's my much debatable selection:
Loose-head Prop-Tony Windo: A Gloucester man by birth, a Worcester lad at heart. Tony Windo with 222 appearances to his name was a man of many talents. You can imagine being a Gloucester man he was blessed with the gift of the gab, yet Windo showed much variety in his game. Windo, a Van Gogh of the art of scrummaging would refuse to shy away from any challenge. Overcoming some of the best scrummagers in the game, Windo reached National Honours in 1998 and still remains the talk of the town, only being surpassed in appearances by 'Gillies the Giant'. A man of serious grit and a role model for the young!
Hooker-Aleki Lutui: Worcester's very own 'Tongan Tank'. This man may be a ball of fun off the pitch, but he is certainly not off it. Lutui has consistently been Worcester's talisman. The former Police Officer, renowned for his fierce and dynamic running has made over 100 appearances for the club, and a scrummage without Lutui would feel so horribly incomplete.
Tight-Head Prop-Tevita Taumoepeau: Audi, Dave, call him what you like, only idiotic Loose-Heads look forward to facing such a cornerstone of the scrum. He is simply what Props are made of and never did I see a man with such a physique built so perfectly for the position. Such a scrummager would take pride of place in my Dream Team, let alone my Warriors greats.
Second Row-Greg Rawlinson: A New Zealand-er who simultaneously with a certain No.5 made Worcester's Line-out a joy to watch. It was certainly comforting to see this man's name on the Team Sheet. A fine player and a fan favourite.
Second Row-Craig Gillies: If there were a God and indeed a God dressed in the blue and gold of Worcester, Craig Gillies is the closest thing to it. A man of herculean stature and a sure fan favourite. I bet there's no hardcore Worcester supporter that always dreamt of Gillies in the white of England! Not forgetting the most appearances in a Warriors shirt, 264 and still climbing....a truly extraordinary player.
Blind-side Flanker-Drew Hickey: Now a lower league Coach, Hickey has seen his fair share of quality rugby, playing in England, Down Under and in Japan. Part of the Warriors side that reached the Premiership for the first time, Hickey was always a willing player and never failed to give 110%. He was indeed a 'proper' rugby player.
Open-side Flanker-Pat Sanderson: The longest serving Captain of Worcester's recent history, Sanderson always lead from the front. An England International, Sanderson was the heart and soul of the club and helped maintain the club's Premiership status under the likes of John Brain and Mike Ruddock. Receiving the Man of the Match award on multiple occasions, you really didn't expect any less of the man. Maybe Worcester's consistently best ever player? My Dream Team Captain.
No.8-Kai Horstmann: An 8 who has always been a definite on the Team Sheet. A stubborn Zimbabwe born rock of the pack. Winning the Player's-Player-of-the-Year twice and appearing for both the Saxons and on the Sevens circuit, there is little that Horstmann lacks. One of my all time favourites and an unforgettable player. Lets hope he remains a Warrior for more seasons to come.
Scrum Half-Werner Swanepoel: A player fondly remembered for being the Captain helping Worcester gain promotion into the Premiership. A Scrum Half who rivalled some of the world's best whilst in a Springboks shirt. Worcester's best Scrum Half and a player who didn't lack in vital experience.
Fly Half-Andy Goode: The Bear. A big booted, well suited Fly Half and already turning into a Sixways Hero. His recent performances have gone a long way into proving his outstanding capabilities as a player and personally, as a South Stand veteran, 'Goodey' is a consistently deafening chant, praising his legendary status. A steady, quality and experienced player, with a superb boot.
Left Wing-Miles Benjamin: He may only still be a baby in age terms, yet Miles Benjamin has already become Worcester's try-scoring machine. Last season's Championship top try-scorer, and never failing to cross the whitewash multiple times in a season. Benjamin has really shown his class this season, especially against Quins at the Stoop. He will be missed after his move to the Tigers!
Inside Centre-Thomas Lombard: One of only a handful of Frenchman to play rugby at the club. Not the quickest of Centre's but his sheer power made up for it. Generally a class act alongside former Full Back, Nicholas Le Roux. He remained persistent in demonstrating his International talent.
Outside Centre-Ben Hinshelwood: Another former Captain and our other famous Scotsman. A skillful, dynamic runner with a World Cup experience to his name, Hinshelwood, normally a Full Back is a must in my Worcester side and remains one of my all time favourite players.
Right Wing-Marcel Garvey: A shining light in Worcester's back line. Frankly it's impossible to name a game where Garvey didn't manage to perform at his best. His searing pace and low sense of gravity has brought everyone in Sixways to their feet on countless occasions. An extraordinary player who will be missed, all the best for his move to Castres.
Full Back-Thinus Delport: Is it even necessary to mention such a superb player? Competing with the likes of Chris Latham, Delport still wins hands down for his performances in the blue and gold. The fans favourite player and a star at Full Back or on the Wing. Fingers crossed he comes out of retirement!
16. Chris Fortey- Immense Line-out accuracy. A great player.
17. Matt Mullan- A young prop with a bright International career. Hugely talented.
18. Neil Lyman- Helped get Worcester promoted. Superb in the tight.
19. Dan Zaltzman- A player with a lot of 'go forward'. He was a key player for Worcester.
20. Jake Abbott- Maybe a little bit early for a mention, but player of the season so far!
21. Matt Powell- A long serving player with all the attributes. Loved by the fans.
22. Shane Drahm- Close contention with Andy Goode for the 10 shirt. Another extraordinary player.
23. Dale Rasmussen- Tackling machine. Even Lomu would have a problem getting through Raz!
The team picked is a perfect balance between talent, youth and experience and I cannot wait for the 2012/13 season to discuss even more Worcester greats! Well done to Richard Hill and the team this season and surely Heineken Cup rugby is a finger tip away....
