Stephen Larkham Career Highlights

[@SMC01ful]

He had it all really. Fantastic acceleration, all the passes you could ask for, great kick, and sublime vision. The key was his consistency and his humbleness. He also had a fantastic partnership with GG. As a NZ'er, I am unafraid of saying he was clearly better than contemporary Kiwi first fives of the era like Merthens, Spencer, and Brown. All three of them frustrated the hell out of me at times. Mert's was the most consistent and the smartest of our lot, but he just didn't have Larkhams all-round game. Spencer had something of an all-round game, but he was an inconsistent tosspot. Brown was simply one-dimensional. Have to remember Larkham was often playing in sides in which he and Gregans teams were being smoked in the forwards, but they still put teams away. Hence, their ability to play off the back foot and exert pressure without consistent go forward from the tight forwards took immense skill. Giteau, as good as he was seemed to get phased with rushed defences; moreover, he was up and down with injury. If skillful buggers like O'Connor and Cooper, had an ounce of Larkhams mental game and defensive toughness Aussie might just have had the Bledisloe and a possible RWC by now. That these show pony shit heads never thought to learn from such a superb player shows how up their own asses they were. Imagine what Will Genia would have been capable of with Larkham outside of him.

[@KernalRegis]

The greatest playmaker of all time.

[@loxley10]

Dan Carter - clearly the best 10 in the world - once said in an interview, what made Larkham so difficult to play, was he held the ball with both hands in a vertical position, the position that suggested a kick. Very hard to read, because he could pass left or right just aswell or grubber or run. To think Dan Carter I hate to admire as an aussie, said that. Says a lot about the man. Bernie is a champ.

[@kfuman03]

Dan Carter was one of the best rugby players I have seen. Steve Larkham just as good. When you consider he excelled in two positions, the main one being in number 10. Imagine having them both in a team, Larkham at fullback. Entertainment to the maximum. I'm an Aussie

[@captcav767]

2:42 was everything i love about Larkham! Under-rated, slippery and accurate

[@ay613]

His passing is satisfying it's just with the right pace and accuracy.

[@mungbean74]

Man he was good! Look at the teams he excelled against in his highlights real. All the best teams! A big game player and a Wallabies Legend!

[@JakeWalshMusic]

Such a brilliant and elusive player - personification of the Will O' The Wisp...

[@princejraxson469]

Back in the day when Australia rugby had everyone fear about.

[@AdminOne-hj4dt]

My all time favourite Wallaby. Class act.

[@Jozza16]

My fave player. Always looked like he was going to pass it then: BOOM line break.

[@Leps17eagles]

cool as ice growing up in fiji players would imitate this guy headgear and the long sleeves of course #legend #stillno.1

[@OldBarbershop]

Nice one Roar. Another unique highlight is when he charged down a conversion in a Bledisloe Cup game.

[@seanthorntonthornton]

I think the fact he was quick with a straight back and head up. Could see everything going on in front of him which meant he had that extra second or two to decide what to do. A joy to behold in full flight

[@marksheehan8026]

Back when rugby was exciting to watch ..

[@7s29]

He has all the time in the world. Looks like he's lumbering along but, had deceptive speed. Always a calmness about him, like he was playing back yard footy. Showed all the ball marks of a great player, because he was a great player.

[@Larkham99]

100% love this guy.

[@hankhardigan1104]

Half of this video could be used as a tribute to Gregan. He certainly had his moments

[@Consumerify]

The best by a mile

[@jmctainsh]

What about Dan Carter?

[@tuluvota]

best fly half in history

[@e36racer44]

tuluvota are you on drugs

[@riinzamai3369]

awsom my fave auzzie player , so fluent ... 1.carter 2. bernie 3.barrett

[@mungbean74]

I love how unselfish he was. Usually if he had beat 1 defender, he would then put someone in a gap most of the time. I have showed footage of Larkham to some of my son’s team’s 10 and 12 here in Japan that you don’t have to beat 3 people to try be a hero. Usually if you can beat 1, look for support..

[@paulmulryne8405]

As an England fan, I would have loved him to have been our fly half in 2003. Wilkinson was good at that time, but this boy...

[@sketch3744]

You are tripping. You could not have won that WC with Larkham at 10 unless maybe you had Percy Montgomire at 15 as well. Goal kicking and drop kicking were the two main reason ENG won that WC and nothing against Larkham but he couldn't kick goals like Johnny.

[@ay613]

@@sketch3744 exactly.

[@juckoosaurus]

that cross kick try assist is magic

[@wadestevenson1874]

Oh man how the Wallabies could do with a playmakernlike Bernie Larkham again. Amazing footballer.

[@jamesheron4100]

legend

[@joshuasteenkamp3277]

Mr SL that drop

[@patrickmurrumbateman4900]

And now we have Foley (sigh)

[@Planthier76]

6.12 WTF... A real genius and poison for any defense. Back at a time where australian rugby meant something.

[@willmcowsky3864]

2.43 genius

[@St_AngusYoung]

Dan Carter No1 Stephen Larkham a close 2nd.The 2 best first fives/fly halfs the game has seen imo.

[@jimifenton7699]

Coming In at 3 Wilkinson??

[@ay613]

@@jimifenton7699 Maybe. But the Welsh lads are good.

[@belikewater7281]

but he sucks on rugby 08