The Auckland Blues, one of New Zealand’s most iconic rugby franchises, have consistently produced world-class talent that has graced rugby fields across the globe. From fearless forwards to electrifying backs, these Blues legends have left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we’ll delve into the careers of the 10 best Auckland Blues rugby players of all time, exploring their career stats, physical attributes, best career moments, and what made them truly special.
1. Sean Fitzpatrick (Hooker)
Career Stats: Sean Fitzpatrick, a legendary hooker, earned 128 caps for the Auckland Blues between 1984 and 1997. He was a key figure in the team’s successes during his tenure.
Physical Stats: Fitzpatrick stood at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) and weighed around 17 stone (108 kilograms). His size, accuracy in the lineout, and leadership qualities set him apart.
Best Career Moment: Fitzpatrick’s best career moment came in 1996 when he captained the Blues to their inaugural Super Rugby title, showcasing his leadership and set-piece skills.
What Made Him Special: Fitzpatrick’s scrummaging technique, lineout precision, and ability to lead by example made him one of the greatest hookers in rugby history.
2. Jonah Lomu (Wing)
Career Stats: Jonah Lomu, a rugby phenomenon, earned 22 caps for the Auckland Blues between 1996 and 1999. While his Blues career was relatively brief, his impact on rugby was immense.
Physical Stats: Lomu stood at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) and weighed around 18 stone (114 kilograms). His size, speed, and unstoppable running made him an iconic figure.
Best Career Moment: Lomu’s best career moment came during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where he scored seven tries, including four against England in the semifinals.
What Made Him Special: Lomu’s unprecedented combination of size, speed, and power revolutionized wing play and made him a global rugby superstar.
3. Carlos Spencer (Fly-half)
Career Stats: Carlos Spencer, a flamboyant fly-half, earned 96 caps for the Auckland Blues between 1996 and 2005. He was a playmaking wizard in the Blues’ backline.
Physical Stats: Spencer stood at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) and weighed around 13 stone (82 kilograms). His creativity, flair, and audacious kicking set him apart.
Best Career Moment: Spencer’s best career moment came in 2003 when he led the Blues to their third Super Rugby title, playing a pivotal role in the final.
What Made Him Special: Spencer’s ability to produce moments of magic, offload in contact, and kick accurately from almost anywhere on the field made him a unique fly-half.
4. Michael Jones (Flanker)
Career Stats: Michael Jones, a dynamic openside flanker, earned 45 caps for the Auckland Blues between 1996 and 2000. He was known for his relentless work rate and leadership.
Physical Stats: Jones stood at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) and weighed around 15 stone (95 kilograms). His speed, agility, and breakdown prowess made him a standout flanker.
Best Career Moment: Jones’s best career moment came in 1996 when he captained the Blues to their first Super Rugby title, showcasing his leadership and all-around skills.
What Made Him Special: Jones’s ability to secure turnovers, carry the ball, and inspire his teammates made him an iconic openside flanker.
5. Joe Rokocoko (Wing)
Career Stats: Joe Rokocoko, a prolific winger, earned 68 caps for the Auckland Blues between 2003 and 2011. He was known for his blistering pace and try-scoring ability.
Physical Stats: Rokocoko stood at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) and weighed around 14 stone (89 kilograms). His speed, finishing ability, and strength in contact made him a try-scoring machine.
Best Career Moment: Rokocoko’s best career moment came when he played a crucial role in the Blues’ Super Rugby title win in 2003, where he was the competition’s top try-scorer.
What Made Him Special: Rokocoko’s ability to outpace defenders, beat them one-on-one, and consistently cross the try line made him one of the most exciting wingers in the game.
6. Ali Williams (Lock)
Career Stats: Ali Williams, a towering lock, earned 77 caps for the Auckland Blues between 2002 and 2012. He was known for his lineout prowess and athleticism.
Physical Stats: Williams stood at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters) and weighed around 18 stone (114 kilograms). His size, agility, and ability to disrupt opposition lineouts made him a key player.
Best Career Moment: Williams’s best career moment came in 2003 when he played a crucial role in the Blues’ Super Rugby title victory, dominating the lineout.
What Made Him Special: Williams’s lineout skills, work rate around the field, and ability to win crucial turnovers made him a standout lock.
7. Doug Howlett (Wing)
Career Stats: Doug Howlett, a prolific winger, earned 60 caps for the Auckland Blues between 1998 and 2007. He was known for his speed and try-scoring ability.
Physical Stats: Howlett stood at 6 feet (1.83 meters) and weighed around 13 stone (82 kilograms). His acceleration, finishing ability, and anticipation made him a prolific try-scorer.
Best Career Moment: Howlett’s best career moment came in 2003 when he played a pivotal role in the Blues’ Super Rugby title win, showcasing his try-scoring prowess.
What Made Him Special: Howlett’s ability to exploit space, finish try-scoring opportunities, and chase down opponents made him a dangerous winger.
8. Keven Mealamu (Hooker)
Career Stats: Keven Mealamu, a reliable hooker, earned 164 caps for the Auckland Blues between 2000 and 2015. He was known for his set-piece skills and work rate.
Physical Stats: Mealamu stood at 6 feet (1.83 meters) and weighed around 17 stone (108 kilograms). His size, accuracy in the lineout, and ability to tackle made him a dependable hooker.
Best Career Moment: Mealamu’s best career moment came in 2003 when he played a crucial role in the Blues’ Super Rugby title win, showcasing his set-piece prowess.
What Made Him Special: Mealamu’s lineout accuracy, scrummaging technique, and tireless work ethic made him a valuable asset in the Blues’ pack.
9. Tana Umaga (Centre)
Career Stats: Tana Umaga, a powerful centre, earned 98 caps for the Auckland Blues between 1996 and 2007. He was known for his hard-hitting defense and leadership.
Physical Stats: Umaga stood at 6 feet (1.83 meters) and weighed around 15 stone (95 kilograms). His size, tackling ability, and ability to break the gain line made him a formidable centre.
Best Career Moment: Umaga’s best career moment came in 1996 when he played a pivotal role in the Blues’ inaugural Super Rugby title win, showcasing his leadership and defensive skills.
What Made Him Special: Umaga’s physicality, ability to create try-scoring opportunities, and inspirational leadership made him a standout centre.
10. Olo Brown (Prop)
Career Stats: Olo Brown, a formidable prop, earned 88 caps for the Auckland Blues between 1996 and 2004. He was known for his scrummaging prowess and durability.
Physical Stats: Brown stood at 6 feet (1.83 meters) and weighed around 19 stone (120 kilograms). His size, scrummaging technique, and work rate in the tight exchanges made him a key player.
Best Career Moment: Brown’s best career moment came in 1996 when he played a crucial role in the Blues’ inaugural Super Rugby title win, anchoring the scrum.
What Made Him Special: Brown’s scrummaging dominance, ability to hold his own in the front row, and consistency made him a respected figure in the Blues’ pack.
Conclusion: The Blues’ Rugby Legacy
These 10 Auckland Blues rugby players have not only made their mark on their team but have also significantly contributed to the sport’s legacy. Their remarkable careers, physical attributes, and unforgettable moments on the field have solidified their places as some of the greatest rugby players in the history of the Auckland Blues. As rugby enthusiasts, we can only look back with admiration and gratitude for the enduring legacy they have created for their team and the sport as a whole.