Ben Batger picks the best Eastwood XV of his time

It's an argument heard regularly at rugby clubs right around Australia and typically one that can never be resolved.

Which players would get a start in the best XV of all time at their respective clubs?

To add fuel to the fire, Rugby News has asked a series of past players to select their best club side from their time.

To clarify, this team is from the perspective of the author and will largely feature individuals from that player's era.

It might not completely fill the rugby sized whole in most of our hearts over summer, but hopefully it'll help kill a little time.

By Ben Batger

I’ve been going to TG Millner every week over winter for the last 17 years so it does feel strange to be away from the place during winter.

But that has given me some time and what better way to spend it than by naming the best Eastwood XV since I first started playing grade in 2004 to 2020, where I am currently head coach.

My only criteria for the team below is that I had to have either played with or coached the player.

1. Benn Robinson

I debuted with Benn back in 2004 and that year it was amazing to watch a 20-year old prop dominate Super Rugby players. Won rookie of the year that year and would go on to play over 70 Tests. A man you wanted to avoid at training, Benn perfected the art of scrummaging, was like another loose forward over the ball and always a popular team mate. Played in three grand finals.

2. Hugh Roach

Hugh was so good around the field that we actually played him at No.7 in a grand final in 2013. He gets the nod over Damien Fitzpatrick and Josh Cullen because at Shute Shield level he could completely dominate games in both attack and defence. Big engine, brilliant ball runner, great over the ball and ferocious defender. Hugh won consecutive grand finals in 2014 and 2015.

 

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