FORGETTABLE DECADE FOR AUSTRALIAN RUGBY
HONOURS BOARD
– 2011, Queensland Reds win Super Rugby
– 2011, Wallabies win the Tri-Nations.
– 2014, NSW Waratahs win Super Rugby
– 2015, Wallabies win the Rugby Championship
– 2015, Wallabies reach the Rugby World Cup final.
– 2016, Women’s sevens win gold at the Rio Olympics
WINNING PERCENTAGE (TIER-ONE NATIONS)
New Zealand 86.6%, England 68.3, Ireland 60.8, South Africa 59.8, Wales 55.0, AUSTRALIA 53.7, France 46.9, Scotland 46.6, Argentina 35.6, Italy 23.4.
BEST WALLABIES XV
Fullback – Israel Folau. Before disappearing in a blaze of controversy, Folau was easily the most devastating attacker to wear green and gold this decade. Kurtley Beale had his moments at the back.
Wingers – Adam Ashley-Cooper and James O’Connor. The lack of quality wide men is highlighted by two players better known for their versatility getting the nod. Of the specialists, Drew Mitchell peaked the previous decade and 2019 World Cup star Marika Koroibete left his run too late.
Centres – Tevita Kuridrani and Kurtley Beale. Fielding a settled Wallabies midfield was rare. Kuridrani was strong and reliable while Beale on his day could be a match-winner but he was shunted around the backline.
Five-eighth – Bernard Foley. Solid and racked up points at a decent rate but only really shone at the 2015 World Cup. Quade Cooper’s flashes of brilliance were too fleeting.
Halfback – Will Genia. The game’s premier No.9 early in his career before tailing off by the end but always one of the team’s most important players. Nick Phipps was an admirable backup.
Back row – David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy. On sheer ability, champion ball scrounger Pocock and the workaholic Hooper are both there, despite criticism their combination created an under-sized pack. The industrious Fardy blended with them best in 2015.
Locks – Rob Simmons and James Horwill. Simmons was a model of consistency across the decade. Horwill was promoted to captain, edging him ahead of some worthy candidates.
Props – Sekope Kepu and Scott Sio. Kepu was the most capped Wallaby during the 10 years, playing 107 of the 136 Tests. Sio was a brutal performer in recent seasons, seeing off the claims of James Slipper and Benn Robinson.
Hooker – Stephen Moore (captain). Like so many of the 2015 Rugby World Cup finalists, finds a place in this selection. A tough as nails skipper, complemented by Tatafu Polota-Nau off the bench.
