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Stephen Larkham
Birthdate: 29/5/74
Position: Fly Half, Fullback
Test Debut: 1996 Vs Wales, Sydney
Arguably one of the best fly halves of the modern game, Stephen Larkham is hailed as having on of the greatest visual passing and running games in the world.
The man affectionatley known by his teammates as Bernie, started his career against Wales in 1996 when he came off the bench to replace Matt Burke. He proved more then capable of covering this position for the Wallabies, but Rod Macqueen had different ideas for him and in 1998 Larkham appeared as the new Australian fly half. His running ability and vision quickly had many people regarding him as the best fly half in the world.
In 1999, after Australia failed to defeat South Africa in a Tri Nations match Rod Mcqueen questioned why Larkham did not attempt a dropgoal to beat the Springboks.
"Probably, because I've never kicked a drop goal in my life!" Stephen replied. Mcqueen kept his faith in Larkham though and was duly rewarded when Larkham kicked an incredible 45 metre drop goal to sink South Africa in the 1999 World Cup Semi Final. Larkham was a key ingredient to the Australia's World Cup success and in 2000 helped Australia to their first ever Tri Nations ***le. He was also involved in Australia's first ever victory over the Lions as well Australia's second Tri Nations ***le in 2001. In 2005 he was also named in the Wallaby team of the decade.
Stephen Larkham also has tasted success in Super 12 Rugby, where he has helped the ACT Brumbies to two Super 12 ***les in 2001 and 2004, the only Australian side to do so.
Off the field Stephen Larkham is one of the true nice guys. He is quiet, modest and polite, a true gentleman and a great role model. Larkham plans to retire after the 2007 World Cup and will be a very hard player for Australia to replace.
Birthdate: 29/5/74
Position: Fly Half, Fullback
Test Debut: 1996 Vs Wales, Sydney
Arguably one of the best fly halves of the modern game, Stephen Larkham is hailed as having on of the greatest visual passing and running games in the world.
The man affectionatley known by his teammates as Bernie, started his career against Wales in 1996 when he came off the bench to replace Matt Burke. He proved more then capable of covering this position for the Wallabies, but Rod Macqueen had different ideas for him and in 1998 Larkham appeared as the new Australian fly half. His running ability and vision quickly had many people regarding him as the best fly half in the world.
In 1999, after Australia failed to defeat South Africa in a Tri Nations match Rod Mcqueen questioned why Larkham did not attempt a dropgoal to beat the Springboks.
"Probably, because I've never kicked a drop goal in my life!" Stephen replied. Mcqueen kept his faith in Larkham though and was duly rewarded when Larkham kicked an incredible 45 metre drop goal to sink South Africa in the 1999 World Cup Semi Final. Larkham was a key ingredient to the Australia's World Cup success and in 2000 helped Australia to their first ever Tri Nations ***le. He was also involved in Australia's first ever victory over the Lions as well Australia's second Tri Nations ***le in 2001. In 2005 he was also named in the Wallaby team of the decade.
Stephen Larkham also has tasted success in Super 12 Rugby, where he has helped the ACT Brumbies to two Super 12 ***les in 2001 and 2004, the only Australian side to do so.
Off the field Stephen Larkham is one of the true nice guys. He is quiet, modest and polite, a true gentleman and a great role model. Larkham plans to retire after the 2007 World Cup and will be a very hard player for Australia to replace.
