There is no doubt that JL was a top player, the best centre that NZ had in the late 70s/early 80s but they weren't exactly lining up with class attacking centres from NZ at that time and Jimmy was a stand out of course. That said he did have deficiencies & we are comparing the greatest of all time, just because he got 29 tests under his belt doesn't automatically qualify him as such

but if you're Ivor Watts ........

i've decided that i'll drop barnett out of the 6 and replace with gilbert. in a sense this has been the toughest position so far because of 8 outstanding candidiates going into 6. nonetheless, selecting an all time team is tough and decisions have to be made. its tough on barnett and yeaman, both outstanding players for hull, but in the company of the other 6 they come up just short.

however one poster has mentioned the possible need for more nominations in this category. whilst its not something i support because it could set a precedent for the later positions i'm willing to test opinion on having say 8 noms in this category

schofield and gemmel for me

you're point being??

You go to great lengths to tell everyone Watts can't possibly be a contender because he was never selected for internationals, and then you say Leuluai shouldn't necessarily be a contender just because he represented his country.

I'd certainly select Dick Gemmell.

I can still remember a pass he made in the tackle (50 years ago) to his winger, I think Wilf Rosenberg, but I might be mistaken.

There was a great action picture in the Sports Mail the following week.

I happened to see Dick a couple of years ago in a fish and chip shop and I mentioned the pass - he could remember it well, in fact he has the picture on his wall at home.
It was against Rovers, and the tackler was Flash Flanagan.