Best ever teams | Blues v Brumbies

With the Blues taking on the Brumbies in the first semi-final of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific, Ultimate Rugby decided to have a look at the best players who played for these two clubs!

Blues all-time XV

1. Tony Woodcock– The former All Blacks prop played 137 times for the Blues, and today still remains one of the game’s greats.
2. Keven Mealamu– Another former All Blacks warrior, World Cup winner and Super Rugby legend for the Blues boasting 164 appearances.
3. Olo Brown– A stalwart of the early years. Managed to dot down three times for the Blues, representing the Auckland side 33 times between 1996 and 1998.
4. Robin Brooke– Brooke led the Blues during the 2001-02 seasons. He was also a key figure during their victorious 1996-97 campaigns.
5. Ali Williams– About as famous for his antics off the field as he was for those on them. Nevertheless, a brilliant lineout jumper and hard man in the tight five.
6. Jerome Kaino – 83 All Blacks tests and a Super Rugby centurion (137 matches) sees Kaino make the list, especially after having had a stint as Blues captain.
7. Michael Jones– Member of the dominant ‘96 and ‘97 sides - has to be in the all-time XV, picking him at seven over Kaino, makes a lot more sense as he debuted there for Auckland.
8. Zinzan Brooke – Captained the Blues during the championships in 1996 and 1997. If his Blues’ backline wasn’t so stacked, he’d have done a great job filling in there.
9. Steve Devine– A true servant of Auckland rugby, notching 70 caps for the Blues, and it would have been more if not for a series of concussions ending his career.
10. Carlos Spencer – None other than Carlos “The King” Spencer could have filled this spot. The Fly-half talisman led the Blues to a famous victory over the Crusaders in 2004.

11. Rupeni Caucaunibuca – Regarded the best attacking player on the planet in his prime, just two seasons were enough to lock him in to an all-time wing spot.
12. Sam Tuitupou– One of the hardest hitters in Super Rugby– or just flat-out rugby – history, forming a lethal combination with Spencer.
13. Reiko Ioane– Statistically will go down as one of the greatest Super Rugby players of all time: 99 appearances and 49 tries, largely from midfield, earns him the jersey.
14. Joe Rokocoko – Another All Blacks and  Blues legend, the winger made 96 appearances for the Auckland side, and was a lethal finisher on the right wing.
15. Doug Howlett – 97 matches for 59 tries. Due to the overflow of talent for the Blues, Howlett slots in the boot where he did play on occasion.

Coach: Sir Graham Henry – Head coach of the ‘96 and ‘97 championship sides. He was also part of the coaching set-up for the 2003 title season.

Brumbies Best XV.

1. Scott Sio.With over 100 Super Rugby caps, was a pillar in the scrum for the Brumbies
2. Jeremy Paul. Paul revolutionised the concept of a ball playing hooker with the ability of an inside back.
3. Allan Alaalatoa. Modern day Brumbies hereo. He played 124 matches
4. Rory Arnold. Became the best lock in world rugby at the Brumbies
5. David Giffin. Part of the two premiership-winning teams.
6. Owen Finegan. Would go on to play nine seasons with the side
7. George Smith. He picks himself. Your breakdown ball was his ball
8. Scott Fardy. Played 97 matches for the Brumbies
9. George Gregan. The man the myth the legend
10. Stephen Larkam. One of the Brumbies great
11. Mark Gerrard. On his day was unstoppable.
12. Matt Giteau. His ability to create something out of nothing through speed, coupled with his physicality.
13. Stirling Mortlock. You did not stop that train when he was in high gear
14. Henry Speight. Fan favourite Speight was safe under the high ball and lethal on ttack
15. Joe Roff. What a player

Coach- Eddie Jones. The Brumbies first title winning coach,