OFF TOPIC: THE BOX REC OFFICIAL LIONS THREAD.
Agree with that Loftgroov, I don't rate Jenkins at all. I was simply mentioning him because in Wales alot of folk mentioning him alongside the big 3 (Bennett, John, and JD) because of his record with the boot. He for me, set Wales back light years.
Stephen Jones isn't very good either, although I think I rate him more than I rate Jenks.
Good shout with Thomas Castignede, I would have him in the same bracket as a Carlos Spencer - a little bit hit and miss - he didn't have the consistency of Jonathon. When both Spencer and Castignede were on, they were every bit as good as Ella and Davies (a bit too soon to really rate Carter, but he looks the buisness) - but Ella and especially Davies seemed to have more good days compared to the other two.
I have alot of the 1988 game on tape and I give Jonathon the edge of Lynagh in most aspects with the expection of Place Kicking. Punting is a close call, Lynagh would have a big edge in power and distance but JD seemed to have this innate ability to never F up a kick. It would always go into touch and never in the full. For a small lad his defence was sound as pound (as his RL days showed) and a subline drop kicker. You can count on one hand the amount of mistakes he makes throughout the entire five nations campaign that year.
Its just a shame the Heniken Cup wasn't around in those days show Jonathon could have excelled in a big arena for his club (ala George Best and Ryan Giggs). I do agree that Lynagh, Wilko (although not Merthins - that team should never have lost to South Africa) have done it on the big stage - but I don't think we should rate Jonathon any less cause he only had one opportunity and that was a third place finish (outshining Lynagh in a classic 22-21 victory).
Stephen Jones isn't very good either, although I think I rate him more than I rate Jenks.
Good shout with Thomas Castignede, I would have him in the same bracket as a Carlos Spencer - a little bit hit and miss - he didn't have the consistency of Jonathon. When both Spencer and Castignede were on, they were every bit as good as Ella and Davies (a bit too soon to really rate Carter, but he looks the buisness) - but Ella and especially Davies seemed to have more good days compared to the other two.
I have alot of the 1988 game on tape and I give Jonathon the edge of Lynagh in most aspects with the expection of Place Kicking. Punting is a close call, Lynagh would have a big edge in power and distance but JD seemed to have this innate ability to never F up a kick. It would always go into touch and never in the full. For a small lad his defence was sound as pound (as his RL days showed) and a subline drop kicker. You can count on one hand the amount of mistakes he makes throughout the entire five nations campaign that year.
Its just a shame the Heniken Cup wasn't around in those days show Jonathon could have excelled in a big arena for his club (ala George Best and Ryan Giggs). I do agree that Lynagh, Wilko (although not Merthins - that team should never have lost to South Africa) have done it on the big stage - but I don't think we should rate Jonathon any less cause he only had one opportunity and that was a third place finish (outshining Lynagh in a classic 22-21 victory).
Yes both awesome, give Michael Jones the edge he famously completed the bleep test.Loftgroov wrote:Back in that era, imagine if Mal Meninga had switched codes and played for the Wallabies!![]()
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Possibly the best player of all time, from either code. Well him or Michael Jones the Kiwi flanker anyway.
Malinga was an exceptionally leader, I personally rated Ellery Hanley a little higher (and possibly my call for overall greatest Rugby player of all time) - but that is such a debate.
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Slapsie Maxie
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Have distant ( cousin once removed etc ) family connections to Barry John and saw him play. Also saw Bennet in his pomp.
I have not seen anyone who is quite in their league since. JD was certainly the closest
In terms of all time "great" sides, the Welsh side of the early/mid 70's was stunning. Just about every player was the best in the world in that position from Fisher/Price/Windsor on the front row, Gerald Willams and JJ on the wings and JPR at the back.
Not to mention possibly the greatest player ever to play the code, Gareth Edwards
I can't help but think of the joke at the time about two welshmen stuck outside Twickenham without tickets when England were playing Wales.
There is a big roar and they shout up to someone in the stands " what happened?"
Two poncey englishmen reply and shout down " There's been a huge fight and all the Welsh team have been sent off except Gareth Edwards"
A few minutes later there is the hugest cheer of the game and one of the Welshmen shouts up to the English guys " what happened, Gareth scored has he?"

I have not seen anyone who is quite in their league since. JD was certainly the closest
In terms of all time "great" sides, the Welsh side of the early/mid 70's was stunning. Just about every player was the best in the world in that position from Fisher/Price/Windsor on the front row, Gerald Willams and JJ on the wings and JPR at the back.
Not to mention possibly the greatest player ever to play the code, Gareth Edwards
I can't help but think of the joke at the time about two welshmen stuck outside Twickenham without tickets when England were playing Wales.
There is a big roar and they shout up to someone in the stands " what happened?"
Two poncey englishmen reply and shout down " There's been a huge fight and all the Welsh team have been sent off except Gareth Edwards"
A few minutes later there is the hugest cheer of the game and one of the Welshmen shouts up to the English guys " what happened, Gareth scored has he?"
FAULKNER, Windsor, Price...
Our coach played against Hanley, seems he was quite tidy. Coach reckons he was comfortably the best player he's ever seen. Bearing in mind he coaches me, now...
Went to see Aussie - Cumbria in 1994ish. Sat five rows behind Maninga. Still had to move to the side to see. Glenn Lazarus was playing as well. He got benched and walked up the stands to where his mates were sitting. You know that perspective thing, well, he looked like he was right next to us, then he just carried on getting bigger, and bigger, and bigger. As big as a house.
Our coach played against Hanley, seems he was quite tidy. Coach reckons he was comfortably the best player he's ever seen. Bearing in mind he coaches me, now...
Went to see Aussie - Cumbria in 1994ish. Sat five rows behind Maninga. Still had to move to the side to see. Glenn Lazarus was playing as well. He got benched and walked up the stands to where his mates were sitting. You know that perspective thing, well, he looked like he was right next to us, then he just carried on getting bigger, and bigger, and bigger. As big as a house.
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Slapsie Maxie
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