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Was Wendell Sailor the most despised player in rugby?
Wendell Sailor is a great player, or actually given he's retired today, I should say was a great player. You can't argue with the facts: 51 international caps across two codes (14 RL, 37 RU) with 20 tries prove the fact.
But, in both codes, I get impression he was universally loathed by opposition fans. It's not hard to see why this might be the case; the swagger, the diamond rugby ball necklace, the diamond "5" pendant (his number in RL), and an arrogance and self-importance so cloying it almost choked. Or am I overstating the issue?
Give us your views in the poll so I can know once and for all, and let us have your Sailor memories in the comments - good or bad.
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November 13, 2009 in Australia | Permalink|
Comments
not most loathed because - as you'd say - he was too SHIT
Posted by: Primate | Nov 13, 2009 3:16:49 AM
The night he failed his drugs test and got pulled from the Waratahs line up before the game for "undisclosed reasons" the stadium announcer played Eric Clapton's"cocaine" over the tannoy several times, and that was at home! shows how much the loved him
Posted by: Rod | Nov 13, 2009 8:39:55 AM
Austin Healey.
Posted by: brighty | Nov 13, 2009 10:57:28 AM
Can't think of any who are / were 'despised', although subsequent to their playing career, one or two spring to mind...cough...Rob Andrew...cough...
And Borthwick - just because he is where he is and shouldn't be.
I used to hate Shane Williams but I've mellowed on that over the past two years to being ambivalent about him instead. As with most things, it was without any cause or reason.
Posted by: BigR | Nov 13, 2009 2:52:55 PM
Can't think of any who are / were 'despised', although subsequent to their playing career, one or two spring to mind...cough...Rob Andrew...cough...
And Borthwick - just because he is where he is and shouldn't be.
I used to hate Shane Williams but I've mellowed on that over the past two years to being ambivalent about him instead. As with most things, it was without any cause or reason.
Posted by: BigR | Nov 13, 2009 2:52:57 PM
balshaw for me
no hesitation
Posted by: brian | Nov 13, 2009 11:47:11 PM
For me, the reason I disliked Del so much was that he was a rubbish player who didn't realise he was rubbish. Healey was an excellent player, and he was funny.
As an aside, Del came to my rugby club's end of season bash a couple of years ago as an speaker. He was an absolute champion - buying drinks, telling stories, engaging with the boys. Also, he only had to be there for a couple of hours, but stayed on and got on the beers for hours afterwards.
Posted by: Phil | Nov 14, 2009 3:39:43 AM
Agree with Phil that what makes me despite players is when they think they're GOOD but are actually SHIT. Ladies and gentlemen I give you Ben Cohen.
Posted by: Oli | Nov 14, 2009 12:31:20 PM
Yes, a player (like Austin Healey) who is/was cocky, but talented, I dont have a problem with. (most of the time). A player should earn their reputation, not have it given to them on a plate. For example, not intentionally strolling into a minefield, but what has Cipriani actually done?
Posted by: ScrumGuru | Nov 14, 2009 6:04:51 PM
And im sorry, I know he cant help it, but Wendell Sailor? Not a name that conjours up a great deal of manly-ness or heroism. Could be worse i suppose. Elton Flatley anyone?
Posted by: ScrumGuru | Nov 14, 2009 6:06:09 PM
borthwick has to be in the running for the most hated...what a dweeb!!!
Posted by: duncandisorderly | Nov 14, 2009 7:57:14 PM
Gimpshaw for me too
Posted by: AndyinBrum | Nov 16, 2009 2:14:03 PM
