The best 15 in 25 years?
14 June 2010

1. Tony Woodcock
Widely regarded as one of the best props in the world, Woody has been one of the shinning lights of All Black rugby while maintaining an essence of humble, Helensville respectability. There are a few positions in which the player made his own and Tony is probably at the top of the list.

2. Slade McFarland
Came to prominence quite early on and made the hooking role his to keep in a long and illustrious Harbour career. The number 2 spot both before and post Slade have been a bit crap. Slade was a top player for the Union and I think he is quite special.

3. Ron Williams
Struggling for props, Dowd was unlucky to miss out but never mind. The props were chosen on name only, whether they play loose or tight is up to them. Uncle Ron gets in for having an attractive sister.

4. Ian Jones
As one of the most prolific locks of the modern era sadly I have to put him in, I just never thought he had his heart in it to be honest. I have gone on record saying this before but something about him said "it's all about me" and "screw the rest of you". It's positively horrible enduring his Sky gig but marginally better than watching him play.

5. Troy Flavell
Sporting history is littered with people who had everything but did not quite deliver. Flav had class but also had a wee temper he and did not achieve what he should. Apparently he told a coach of the Blues when asked why he wasn't achieving that "he didn't know and didn't care". Sums it up really, apart from an unflagging ability to hurt people in bars, Flav took a different course and is still out there.

6. Kevin Schuler
This spot was a bit tricky, I just thought Schuler was highly underrated and when he really got stuck in there were very few who could hold a candle to him. His All Black spot was well deserved and I think in terms of skill and ability he was to rate highly.

7. Craig Newby
Not easy identifying this crucial position. We have never really had anyone apart from Barry who has made this spot their own. I have chosen Newby mainly because since he left we have really struggled to find someone worthy enough to playNo. 7 well. The tragedy of his departure to Dunedin was evident in the flagging fortunes of a team who were travelling quite well when he moved on.

8. Wayne Shelford
Not the best payer we have had but undoubtedly the greatest in terms of what he brought to the game as a player and leader. Long after we are gone, Harbour will always be known for Buck and his outstanding efforts on and off the field.

9. Ant Strachan
Selected for getting the backline going in 1994 and helping deliver some semblance of a gameplan to a team not keen on structure. Good pass, competent around the field, there have been many since but no one has made this spot their own.

10. Frano Botica
The best player this Union has ever produced. He had everything, simply magnificent and gifted player who with Fox in his way couldn't quite crack the AB's. Fantastic.

11. Eric Rush
Greatest Seven's player the world has ever seen and possibly one of the most gifted players in NZ Rugby. Started at flanker moved to wing, the rest is history. His supreme fitness contributed to his longevity and loveliness.

12. Walter Little
Runner-up to Frano as the most talented player. Simply sublime, the greatest thing out of Glenfield since Rachel Hunter (via Tokoroa of course).

13. Frank Bunce
An Auckland castaway who speared the backbone of Harbour's back 7 in the mid-nineties. Brilliant AB for one who got the call-up so late.

14. Rico Gear
In recent times Rico has been the stand-out player for moi. Really, really good player, step like a demon. Get very upset everytime I see playing anywhere but for Harbour. Miss his brother also, may make the AB's this year.

15. Glen Osborne
Mad as a meat-axe but had the skills. When you talk about gifted players his name flashes like a beacon in the midst of a large body of sea. Once sold insurance, now doesn't.