2. John Eales
The man who was nicknamed ‘Nobody’, because as they say, ‘Nobody’s perfect’. The former Queensland Reds star was the most successful captain in the history of the Wallabies, and is amongst a select few of rugby’s elite to win the Rugby World Cup on two separate occasions.
Australia’s glory days throughout the 1990s saw the Web Ellis trophy head to the land down-under in 1991 and 1999, with John Eales playing an key role in both victorious tournaments. There was nothing that Eales could not do, he played in the second row, and occasionally starred at number eight, with a masterful touch from the boot.
Never before had rugby seen a forward with such kicking prowess, as Eales slotted 34 penalties and 31 conversions for the Wallabies. He is the 12th highest point-scorer for the Wallabies, with his two tries building a total of 173 points (one try was awarded four points prior to modern rule changes). Irrefutably, Eales is the highest scoring forward in test match rugby history.
There is an asterisk amongst his captaincy honours, as he has 60 recorded caps for the Wallabies whilst wearing the invisible armband. However, only 57 of these were official test matches, meaning George Gregan scrapes to top spot for this accolade with 59 captaincy appearances. However, regardless of the statistics, Eales’ starring role as Wallabies captain was the definitive driving force behind his side winning the Rugby World Cup in 1999.
Australia ran roughshod on their Pool E opposition in 1999, handing Ireland, Romania and the USA heavy defeats. Eales’ leadership qualities were shown at full strength in the quarter-final clash with Wales, as he was able to steer his side to victory despite the 72,000 predominantly Welsh fans concocting a deafening atmosphere in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Eale’s work-rate was famously unmatched. The lock would never stop, and often left every fibre of his being out on the pitch in pursuit of victory. Be it a tackle, a carry or hitting a ruck, Eales would give that extra 10% which would outlast his fatiguing opponents. This attribute was never showcased better than in Australia’s extra-time semi-final victory over the Springboks.
A try-less fixture that was one for the rugby purists, Eales led his side to war against the ‘Boks, with Matthew Burke and Stephen Larkham contributing the decisive points from the boot. Then the final arrived, and Eales utilised his previous Rugby World Cup winning experience to orchestrate a triumphant gameplan for the Wallabies, who dismantled France 35-12.