Stephen Larkham - Wallaby Genius

[@DD-RSA]

I am South African and he is my favorite flyhalf of all time. The classiest. Everything seems to be done in slow motion but its actually fast. Excelled in every facet of flyhalf. Kicking, passing, running. Loved him

[@greylynnjr]

Indeed. Im a kiwi and he is my next 1st class option with carter. I consider both equal

[@PjRjHj]

Bar the drop goal that sunk South Africa in '99, Larkham wasn't much of a "kicking flyhalf"

[@DD-RSA]

@PjRjHj Never said he was a kicking flyhalf. When he did kick it was good.

[@jimneisema3156]

Larkam one of the best player Australia has produced. He possessed the ability to read the game and uncunningly manavuers himself through the defence lines. His vision and awareness of the game is something to behold.A true legend.

[@matsong5134]

THE GHOST! The way he glides across the field like a phantom.

[@Planthier76]

his intelligence, running, passing skills, vision, ellusivity, anticipation and steps were awesome. His association with Gregan was a delight ! He was a real poison for defenses.

[@lixer17]

He had sublime skills. Key member of Australia's golden era of rugby.

[@tavailautaualasegi752]

He's still my number 1 first five eighth. He was the best playmaker in his time and I haven't seen anybody like him yet.

[@RiaanLouw]

That Aussie side was legendary. Larkham, Gregan, Horan, etc.

[@rohitchristopher1283]

And John Eales!

[@yuriboyka6943]

John eales

[@ay613]

John Eales

[@RTBChristisLife]

George smith, Owen Finegan..

[@jimjammy1788]

What an amazing side that was.. Larkham, Gregan, Knox, Roff, Herbert, Horan, Little, Eales just to name a few.. Great vid..

[@richardrice5942]

From a kiwi perspective who grew up in that era , the most feared player in my lifetime as an all black fan was larkham by a mile and that great wallaby side they were brilliant

[@MissSolo11]

My father's hero... Hear him still talk about SL of Australia...

[@Youre]

Had the best pass on a 10 I've ever seen.

[@julianoliffe3919]

Agreed but I'd say the best passer of the ball in history.

[@richardmcgrath9729]

Mark Ella?

[@Youre]

@@richardmcgrath9729 Never saw him

[@rvh4034]

I am from South Africa and I hated Larkham because of his sheer brilliance and dominance.. He single handed won a lot of the games against the Boks. Honestly couldn't understand how such a skinny guy can take massive hits and brush it off like it's nothing haha. What a legend

[@We.dont.snitch.X]

As a kiwi, I couldn't agree more with you here. Absolute beast once he moved into #10

[@rsacitizen6151]

Just the way our farm boy henry honiball did...

[@catinthehat906]

He didn't have the dramatic step of Campese or Beale, but he was deceptively difficult to tackle.

[@pufdadie]

he's actually quite tall for a #10 at 190cm and big wen you're up close

[@chaosbynature]

Respect deserves respect, an Aussie here.

[@Brdr685]

I wish the aus produced these types of players still. From nz they would put so much doubt in my head whether the a.b's would win. Larkham was the one I feared most. U just couldn't deny. This man was too brilliant

[@timspare80]

My fave all time rugby player. Genius.

[@MrSilverfish12]

Rugby is just not the same anymore. I remember when NZ would basically have a public holiday everytime the AB's played the Wallabies. My family would pretty much have a party and invite our cousins, aunt's and uncles over to watch the game. I wish Australia would step it up and bring a bit of pride back to the Bledisloe Cup. It took both teams hammering away at each other to make that cup a worthy prize.

[@russe19642]

Until rugby Australia puts a serious effort into getting rugby into state schools it you'll always see a bunch of private schoolboys playing and if you've ever played interschool carnivals the poor old private schools always got towelled up by the lowest ability state schools in any sport

[@bighoursefitness4780]

Best of his generation, he made fly half look like the easiest position in the world, always seemed to have sooo much time on the ball, Def in my top 5 greats

[@eltonioh]

One of my favourite players ever, such a silky runner and skilful passer of the ball.

[@maxguarda]

He was a genius at finding holes in enemy defenses and taking advantage of that

[@sloanekahukiwa7457]

Best passing game of all time AMAZING

[@JamesSmith-qr7be]

As a kiwi I had nothing but resoect for this guy regardless of how many times he broke our hearts

[@kaiuluitova6369]

I remember kids back in the day dressed like larkharm on rugby games Headgear with the bandages on the arms

[@ifereimituicakau1007]

Am a fijian his my favorite player 🙂

[@brianallwood1330]

A true legend, caused us kiwi's much anguish over the years. Stunned he was recently dropped from the Wallabies coaching staff. I'm no rugby expert but would like to see him make a return in a more senior role once Cheika's done.

[@judelane]

Stephen Larkham had freakish talent. He regularly did things that appeared impossible with an ease bordering on nonchalance. I remember him once leaping up above the cross bar of the posts and swatting away an incoming conversion like a fly. Neither I nor the game’s commentators could believe it. It was so extraordinary and unexpected. His vision and read of the game was levels above most players. Time after time he would ghost through defences with a seemingly languid, loping stride, but he was deceptively fast. He was to rugby what Neo was to the matrix, and the Wallabies greatest ever magician.

[@onlyone6537]

He was a best in passing the balling.. territory kicking ..running straight line than..throwing dummy passes ...reading the game and controlling it with smoothness and calm when under pressure..he is probably the number 3 flyhalf in the world ..only because Dan Cater and Wilkinson were really good goal kickers..but think that Larkham was a little bit better in other areas than DC and JW.

[@Romans8-9]

He was the best passing and running fly half imo, JW and DC get way more credit for goalkicking and field goals.

[@yuchejacobs639]

@@Romans8-9 funny enough Larkham had the ability to kick to goal, but during his time the Wallabies were blessed with really good goal kickers which meant he didn't need to step up for goal kicking.

[@henniebester9437]

Legend has it that when he got the no 10 jersey for the Wallabies, Rod Macqueen give him videos of Henry Honiball and said - that's the way I want you to play.

[@MarkWhippy]

I’d rate him ahead of Wilkinson for sure. He’s at least number 2 for me and I’m a kiwi. He might even be better than DC, but DC will always get the credit as being the best.

[@michelletans687]

And he was hot to look at lol

[@Johnnyg83]

larkham was australias best and last decent flyhalf.

[@bl9593]

What about Mortlock after him?

[@boyz872]

Agreed..👍👍

[@Olivierstreet]

@@bl9593 Mortlock made his mark as a centre but was also a fullback

[@Pafuki25]

For real. NZ feared this guy and Gregan.

[@sketch3744]

@@bl9593 Mortlock was a career 13.

[@glensmall9194]

One of the best ever. A true genius. Thanks Bernie

[@pixelmasque]

His elusive playmaking, style, smarts and grace all came together in magical brilliance, what a wonderful era it was to watch these guys come together after some painful times before that, larkham, gregan, roff, burke, eales, latham, tune, herbert, tuqiri, kefu, connors, bowman, finegan, harrison, foley, smith, waugh, and a great coach Steve Macqueen.💯💥

[@RealRugby]

Did the guy from The Great Escape coach the Wallabies?

[@proudkiwi7641]

As a Kiwi. We absolutely feared this guy.

[@MeanAzz_13]

No we didn't!!

[@MeanAzz_13]

@@andrewbowers92 we sent Cullen to RIP them a new one. Now go get a *profile* instead of trolling under different names little boy!

[@MeanAzz_13]

@@andrewbowers92 see? You deleted your last comment coz you have no idea what you on about! This ain't a Aussie channel numb nuts it's a South African channel!! 🖕🤣

[@MeanAzz_13]

@@andrewbowers92 do you see any criticizing of any Aussies from us Kiwis in the post moron????? Pull your head out of your arse! N grow pair! You beginning to sound like a whinging Pom! God dam convict! 🙄

[@MeanAzz_13]

@@andrewbowers92 look up arse hole! There's only 2 comments on here and no criticizing of any Aussies until your dumb arse came along to shit stir lol Aussie channel he reckons lmao dumb arse!!

[@lifegoeson2422]

Best number 10 Australia ever produced

[@zabaleta66]

Mark Ella was the best.

[@thatsbollox]

That sublime running gate he had...long legs just made him look like he was gliding across the turf almost in slow motion, but he was damn quick. Vision and Skill, it is hard to think of a better #10. Fantastic combination with Gregan. A proper attacking #10 that could make any back line suddenly look a million dollars ....it was his fantastic passing game i most admired. Wizard with the ball in hand. My all time favorite flyhalf. Glorious to watch.

[@crawford1083]

What players we had - Larkham, Gregan, Herbert, Roff, Horan, Wendell Sailor, what stars!

[@corny165]

The video highlights Larkhams ability as a runner but we all loved him for his passing on the gainline. Fucking wizard at creating space.

[@samuelkristensen6685]

Best passer I've seen.

[@islander_kool_kat]

King Larkham. Makes Foley look like a joker in a pack of cards.

[@DaWolfaa]

4:09 As a youngster growing up in SA, this drop kick and the 1999 cricket semi final against the Aussies ruined my childhood.

[@warrenharrison5052]

Cheer up Wolfy - that was along time ago. But I can imagine the Cricket world cup semi in particular must have given you nightmares from time to time. You guys should have romped that in.

[@aleccastro4761]

hahahah bro COMPLETELY.

[@bighoursefitness4780]

Co, I was in Grd 7,remember it like yesterday, why did Lance throw the bat?

[@diulikadikaday]

I've never seen a guy run so fast, but look so slow. I don't know how he does it, but the guy can beat defenders and yet still look so languid. It's not an insult to him. He has this running style that looks so stable, it's like he is riding on a segway. I think that's why they called him "bernie", like the movie "weekend at Bernie's" about some guys who take a corpse around in public like a puppet and try to fool people into thinking Bernie is still alive (but sleeping etc). Larkham looks and moves like he's a corpse.

[@lethalkiller9528]

😂😂😂 Couldn't have described him any better.

[@ay613]

Wasn't it because he was quiet.

[@timociqiolevu7724]

Perfect description!.

[@Steve-jq4st]

Reminds me of Mark Waugh. Languid and classy.

[@DmantopG]

Cause he was wrapped like a mummy

[@STAR-cw7bz]

The video shows Larkham scoring Try's but his passing game and setting up trick's were better to watch

[@yuchejacobs639]

I was actually bewildered myself because his passing game was from another planet, hence his nickname "The magician".

[@henniebester9437]

@@yuchejacobs639 Amongst his team mates he was known as "Bernie" after "Weekend at Bernies" - him being a very quiet bloke, off the pitch anyway.

[@Romans8-9]

@@henniebester9437 I knew it was Bernie but I didn´t know that was the reason! Such a great nickname. lol

[@lionelpardobutina4455]

One of my favourites players of all time. He was so dangerous...

[@Patookacrep763]

The amount of front-foot footy they played back in the day 🔥 everything is stagnant and sideways these days 😂

[@maximoc6134]

A giant of the game

[@branniganfarnsworth3342]

Such a slick passer of the ball

[@peterschuetz8802]

I ran into Larkham in Japan at a station when he was with the RICOH Black Rams. He didn’t strike me as tall or solid. I said gooday Steve and he replied in kind with a smile. Nothing more needed to be said.

[@Romans8-9]

6´3 isnt tall? He was skinny though. That much is true.

[@ay613]

@@Romans8-9 Exactly lol 6'3 is basically 1.90m region.

[@Easts101]

When he is running it looks so effortless . It does not look like he is trying.

[@matthewconnolly9508]

As a kiwi.. he was awesome and scary to watch.. him and gregan tormented us with those crazy long passes and decisive runs. Golden era

[@Fuzcapp]

I never thought I'd see the words "Gregan" and "long passes" in the same sentence. Gregan was the reason Michael Lynagh retired from Test Rugby. Fortunately, Larkham got bored with fullback - and the rest is rugby history.

[@tyonamin]

He had the nicest passes... One of my favorite players.

[@henniebester9437]

For me, with Henry Honiball, the greatest two fly halves of the professional era. Mostly his tries shown here, but his passing and distribution made him the pivot of a great Wallaby team. Nicknamed "Bernie" after "Weekend at Bernies" since, I am told, he was the "quiet guy in the back of the bus". Huge respect, Bernie.

[@garynash6724]

What a player!!!! From a Durban boy!!

[@RealRugby]

Gary Nash Larkham from Durban? I think you are thinking of Andrew Mehrtens

[@Heinrich.Fourie]

Remember those days everybody wanted to be larkham in amateur club rugby.

[@tuluvota]

the best to ever wear the #10 jersey..#Larkham

[@TheTheotherfoot]

In australia, maybe. World wide? No, in the top ten, (maybe), but lets not get garried away.

[@tuluvota]

grumpy sod name a better fly half in history... he didnt do any goal kicking buts the only knock on Larkham (if any).... but everything else.... there’s no one better (past or present) playing the position

[@myinnervoicescreams7068]

tuluvota daniel carter is the best that ever is and was records in all facets 2 time world champion multiple super rugby titles multiple tri quad nations multiple world rugby player of the year junior world player of the year world record test points 1598 all black centurion the list goes on and the best one is hes the only flyhalf whos mad stephen larkham look amateur notice no footage vs DC lol

[@torrentialdownpour1208]

@@myinnervoicescreams7068 totally agree there bro Carter is the goat

[@vitamohulamu4124]

yeah he's the best #10 the whole world.....

[@LoonaVanza]

Guy's i have never been in this game, but I guess he's a Legend.

[@jessehenderson2473]

This guy and Conrad Smith we're the two best at ghosting through defensive line's.

[@ericmesser1]

The good old days……..the magic of Larkham and Gregan……..sensational

[@johnwhauwhau9937]

This was the greatest Australian first five ever.

[@nnoddy8161]

As good as Gregan was in terms of his captaincy, defence and overall game management, he had one of the worst passing/service for his inside backs. We can only imagine how much better Larkham would have been with that extra half second which was taken up by Gregan standing up right, taking a step back and then passing, as opposed to the type of service which Farr-Jones, Slattery and Merrick provided.

[@andywalker9079]

One of the all time greats

[@kereikaihau6789]

He was the man

[@We.dont.snitch.X]

If only he could've been a kiwi haha, I forgot how good that late 90's early 00's Aussie team was. No wonder they managed to break our kiwi hearts so many times

[@bremCZ]

A lot of people have forgotten how strong the Aussie team was and a whole generation has only seen them as a tackling bag. It's a shame because they used to be real battles regularly.

[@Romans8-9]

@@bremCZ Yep Aus v NZ games in late 90s, early 00s were true spectacles.

[@BillyBoyProductions]

Larkham was definitely the last best Flyhalf produced by Australia at Union, since then all of their best talents were grabbed by NRL.

[@l-n-s356]

Larkham and Burke was the best for me in that whole aussie side.

[@Mr.G_7785]

The best rugby player of all time

[@TheRainemt]

great video

[@andthenwhat3506]

This was when Wallabies were worth watching...

[@ITzDem0nTime]

Him and George Gregan were one of the greatest combo halves during their era

[@davidgillan9509]

Great player, a bit unorthodox but so effective, also a great tackler when he played 15.

[@olibearbrowns6748]

Michael Lynagh was an amazing player but this guy is the best fly half in Australian rugby. They form an dynamic partnership with Gregan both for the Wallabies and the Brumbies.

[@andremaube5069]

World class ❤️

[@davidtaliai996]

Best ball playing 10 ever.

[@Fuzcapp]

I think i laughed for a week after that Larkham drop goal v Sth Africa.

[@Trajan2401]

Yes that damn combo of Gregan and Larkham were the rugby equivalents to Langer and Lewis in league a golden era for Australia from a Kiwi.

[@gnargnar1898]

The Mastermind behind any try in the Wallabys during the golden age..

[@peterbennett2167]

Apparently, Bernie Larkhum used to smuggle a Lightsaber onto the football field, to slice through the opponents defensive line..Genius

[@RogueAgent00]

What a genius 💯

[@mdjcsmith]

4:08 Wow! I've never heard the South African commentary on that drop-goal before; cheers Real Rugby!

[@RealRugby]

Cheers mate!

[@kenlloyd1268]

That's what Rugby's all abt, respect for the ability of the opponent.

[@torrentialdownpour1208]

Alot of people don't realize he wears contact lenses but not on that occasion 😉 which makes him even more special

[@Toyotaamazon80series]

Nice to hear the Afrikaans language in some of the commentaries, God bless the Boers.

[@bberakable]

When the wallabies were actually good..

[@tokokillereye8377]

Larkham probably the best number 10 Aussie had 👍👍👍👍

[@sloanekahukiwa7457]

Still the man coming from NZ

[@mruv5944]

Coming from an Aucklander, there was a list of Aussies I HATED, most of the time it was because they were great players lol Gregan, Larkham, Smith, Latham, Mortlock

[@bremCZ]

Gregan Larkham Mortlock and Latham in a backline was outstanding!

[@Thomho2048]

Yeah and they show up the lack of talent we have now

[@christopherdale8201]

I love that drop goal against the springboks in 1999 World cup Semi final.

[@RealRugby]

I don't.... ;-)

[@christopherdale8201]

@@RealRugby I suppose your going to say Dan Gurber was better Centre then Tim Horan and before you reply the Wallabies were a far better side in the 90's then the Springboks and Dan Gurber time had passed after the 80's he was an Oldman,Tim Horan ran rings around him at Cape town in 92 Wallabies vs Springboks and at Ballymore in 93 QLD vs Western Province.

[@ay613]

@@christopherdale8201 No he wasn't he just said as a South African fan he didn't like his team losing. Where did ur huge assumption come from. No need for that long sentence 😂.

[@leewarries2071]

Class.

[@ay613]

Do fly halves even drop kick nowadays.

[@annabelcooper6658]

legend

[@Kevinohanlons]

Incredibly dangerous player.

[@Lorenzo-iw9nj]

Wilkinson Parkham good days

[@KernalRegis]

My favourite 10 ever - not as good as DC overall but one of the most creative and elusive players.

[@lifegoeson2422]

KernalRegis Wrong... they're just totally different styles

[@Romans8-9]

DC gets credit for goalkicking. Larkham was a great running and passing flyhalf that couldnt goalkick, so I disagree with the overall comment.

[@zabaleta66]

Carter was a fabulous running first five too, probably better than Larkham but Larkhams the better passer.

[@joneh9483]

Ahh the good old days when Australia was an actual force to be reckoned with for other tier 1 nations😓 God I miss those days

[@stevenlurie1215]

Larkhan. gregan Horan. Eales.smith.great Aussie era. 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@joneh9483]

I feel like for this decade of rugby Australia has had some good ball players who were so good in playing in so many of the backs positions that they just didnt have a real established good fly half. They are basically just a victim of their own dexterity I guess🤷‍♂️. E.g kurtley beale,James O'Connor,Matt Giteau(a bit) etc.

[@MarkWhippy]

Australia tried to make Giteau a 10 but he was good at 12. He never played well as a flyhalf but they kept persisting with him there. Lealiifano could have been a very good 10 for Australia if he didn’t get sick in his prime.

[@ay613]

Cooper was cool.

[@dmnt-ce5hu]

Without peer in his international reign.

[@diannekeightley9443]

"Bernie" Larkham....What a genius

[@frankerck]

Mehrtens, Larkham and O'Gara. Mehrtens had it a little easier playing for the ABs. Larkham and O'Gara were gluttons for punishment, all three great distributors and really read the game well. Larkham could always be counted on and I always thought Oz had a chance when he was on the field. I miss those days.

[@williambaglme819]

The Wallabies just need to find the next S. Larkham and G. Gregan. The Wallaby Rugby during that era was simply world class. Why did the Wallabies, regress, from there on??

[@greylynnjr]

The days before overcoaching made players into robots

[@kenlloyd1268]

Brill player,but that Australian was something else.

[@Eatitbiach]

How many times he bailed the Wallabies out, Having said that, was a great Wallabies side.

[@pufdadie]

the last best Aussie #10 could always make something out of nothing

[@yuriboyka6943]

The ghost

[@zabaleta66]

I hated Larkham....arsehole would ghost through and thow a cut out pass to Mortlock who would score against my All Blacks! Good fucken player though.....Mortlock too. Feared those two more than any others late 90's early 2000's.

[@mataicakau237]

The last of the Wallabies flyhalf...

[@JiggyZtardust]

intro name?