Oracle of Delphi
KC Hill
Paladin
Craig HillThe SuperMan of The Super 14 (...The Penultimate Man...)
January 9th 2007 16:24
The Ultimate being my husband of course but I’m not about to post a photo of him nor write about him anymore than I do. Not that I haven’t wanted to but hello? ...Privacy. Besides he’s already mortified at the stuff I do write about him...so...
This is Stephen Larkham.
Stephen Larkham is a Rugby God and as far as I am concerned he is the Ultimate Sportsman. Say what you will about whomever from whichever code.
Whatever.
Larkham is a genius. And he is humble. Shy. Modest. Unassuming. Brilliant. And damn sugar....he is Larkyum!
Larkham definitely makes a difference to every game and his pairing with Gregan* is magic. Sure sometimes he’s not firing on all cylinders but he’s a man not a machine but when he is....oh wow. Magic.
His usual position, Flyhalf, is also known as The Playmaker and Larkham’s playmaking skill is par excellence. His vision, his instinct, his ability to pull them in and then just...step, step...gone.
The opportunities Larkham opens up for his team mates, when his tactical kicking is on fire, when he notices a gap, when just blinks and breathes, the man is brilliant...and he doesn’t hog the glory.
So often a damn Winger gets the praise for Larkham’s poise but he really doesn’t care. He is part of a team.
Larkham may be considered slight and lanky but we’re talking rugby proportions here. Rugby players...well...they’re not quite human.
Superhuman, which is why it’s called Super 14....
I once saw a documentary on Mick Doohan (legend and my 2nd best sportsman)....the injuries Doohan has sustained, he really is the Multi Million Dollar Bikeonic Man!
Larkham is a bit like this.
Although he is prone to injury, the man just doesn’t give up.
He gets right back up again, even after being rucked and mauled to hell and back.
He’s probably broken every bone in his body, he’s wrapped so tight during play, it’s a wonder he can move as fluidly as he does and let’s throw a melanoma in the mix and well...yeah...his body won’t be joining the Organ Donor Program.
Even my husband, a former Forward, a Prop, acknowledges that Larkham has got mega guts but DDH does balk at this - when I say that Larkham has the heart of a Forward.
Forwards are very propriety (ha...a pun) about their mad Titan psyches.
I mean...when Forwards chew their nails, we’re talking 9 inch steel ones, which they hammer with their fists.
And Forwards love eating Backs for breakfast. And they especially love the taste of Larkham’s blood. And the sound of his bones crunching underfoot.
Nevertheless, I stick by what I say.
Forwards rule and Larkham rocks.
I was lucky enough to have interviewed him for a print publication and contrary to popular belief, I kept it together people. I’m a soon to be 40 year old woman. A professional. With deep nail marks in the palm of one hand as proof of how kept together I was...if I look closely I can still see them. The interview was held in May 06.
I am kidding. Sort of.
An excerpt of that interview can be found here- The Perfect 10
So...stats.
Position: Flyhalf #10
(can also play Fullback and basically all other Back positions but Flyhalf is best suited
to his absolute genius brilliance)
Height: 189cm
(average for a rugby player)
Weight: 88kg
(one word...one word against this and there will be blood)
Date of Birth: 29/5/1974
(...I’m a cradle snatcher...)
Club: Wests (ACT)
(...the sun sets in the west...lame I know, I know)
Super 14 Team: Brumbies 1996-
(The day Larkham retires so does my membership)
Super 12/14 Points: 204 (30t,12c,6p,4dg)
30 tries – a try is worth 5 points; this is when the ball gets grounded over the tryline
12 conversions – worth 2 points;
after each try the ball has to be kicked between the goalposts...a hit and miss afair even for that bloody Wilkinson twit...oh don’t start me on him...
6 penalty goals – worth 3 points;
kicks for goal awarded after the Ref blows his top at the other team...a bit vague on the reasons sometimes but as long as we’re not penalized, I don’t really give a damn why the penalty was awarded
4 drop goals – worth 3 points;
Larkham is dgg – drop goal God after that kick in the 1999 World Cup, this is a kick made during the flow of play from midfield.
Super 12/14 Caps: 107
(This is how many games Larkham has played for the Brumbies)
Test Points: 130 (24t, 2c, 2dg)
Test Caps: 95
(Games played as a Wallaby)
Test Debut: 1996 v Wales, Sydney
(Speaks for itself...)
Honours:
Australian Sevens 1996.
(First saw him play in the Hong Kong Sevens...skinny kid but damn brilliant.)
Australian Wallabies 1996-
This is Rugby World Cup year....and the year I lose a little (I said a little) bit of interest in Rugby.
Stephen Larkham will be retiring this year.
Hopefully he gets to scratch his initials on Bill** once more, before he goes.
I am not crying.
*George Gregan; scrumhalf #9 Wallaby and Brumby teammate for over 10 years
** Bill - The Webb Ellis Cup, the Rugby World Cup Trophy, named after the boy cedited for creating Rugby Union....Larkham scratched his initials on the cup. Yes he got into trouble. No he wasn't sober.
Really Long Link
Images from
Getty Images www.gettyimages.com
Australian Rugby Union www.rugby.com.au
This is Stephen Larkham.
Stephen Larkham: The Perfect 10
Stephen Larkham is a Rugby God and as far as I am concerned he is the Ultimate Sportsman. Say what you will about whomever from whichever code.
Whatever.
Larkham is a genius. And he is humble. Shy. Modest. Unassuming. Brilliant. And damn sugar....he is Larkyum!
Larkham definitely makes a difference to every game and his pairing with Gregan* is magic. Sure sometimes he’s not firing on all cylinders but he’s a man not a machine but when he is....oh wow. Magic.
His usual position, Flyhalf, is also known as The Playmaker and Larkham’s playmaking skill is par excellence. His vision, his instinct, his ability to pull them in and then just...step, step...gone.
The opportunities Larkham opens up for his team mates, when his tactical kicking is on fire, when he notices a gap, when just blinks and breathes, the man is brilliant...and he doesn’t hog the glory.
So often a damn Winger gets the praise for Larkham’s poise but he really doesn’t care. He is part of a team.
Larkham may be considered slight and lanky but we’re talking rugby proportions here. Rugby players...well...they’re not quite human.
Superhuman, which is why it’s called Super 14....
I once saw a documentary on Mick Doohan (legend and my 2nd best sportsman)....the injuries Doohan has sustained, he really is the Multi Million Dollar Bikeonic Man!
Larkham is a bit like this.
Although he is prone to injury, the man just doesn’t give up.
He gets right back up again, even after being rucked and mauled to hell and back.
He’s probably broken every bone in his body, he’s wrapped so tight during play, it’s a wonder he can move as fluidly as he does and let’s throw a melanoma in the mix and well...yeah...his body won’t be joining the Organ Donor Program.
Even my husband, a former Forward, a Prop, acknowledges that Larkham has got mega guts but DDH does balk at this - when I say that Larkham has the heart of a Forward.
Forwards are very propriety (ha...a pun) about their mad Titan psyches.
I mean...when Forwards chew their nails, we’re talking 9 inch steel ones, which they hammer with their fists.
And Forwards love eating Backs for breakfast. And they especially love the taste of Larkham’s blood. And the sound of his bones crunching underfoot.
Nevertheless, I stick by what I say.
Forwards rule and Larkham rocks.
I was lucky enough to have interviewed him for a print publication and contrary to popular belief, I kept it together people. I’m a soon to be 40 year old woman. A professional. With deep nail marks in the palm of one hand as proof of how kept together I was...if I look closely I can still see them. The interview was held in May 06.
I am kidding. Sort of.
An excerpt of that interview can be found here- The Perfect 10
Wrapture
So...stats.
Position: Flyhalf #10
(can also play Fullback and basically all other Back positions but Flyhalf is best suited
to his absolute genius brilliance)
Height: 189cm
(average for a rugby player)
Weight: 88kg
(one word...one word against this and there will be blood)
Date of Birth: 29/5/1974
(...I’m a cradle snatcher...)
Club: Wests (ACT)
(...the sun sets in the west...lame I know, I know)
Super 14 Team: Brumbies 1996-
(The day Larkham retires so does my membership)
Super 12/14 Points: 204 (30t,12c,6p,4dg)
30 tries – a try is worth 5 points; this is when the ball gets grounded over the tryline
12 conversions – worth 2 points;
after each try the ball has to be kicked between the goalposts...a hit and miss afair even for that bloody Wilkinson twit...oh don’t start me on him...
6 penalty goals – worth 3 points;
kicks for goal awarded after the Ref blows his top at the other team...a bit vague on the reasons sometimes but as long as we’re not penalized, I don’t really give a damn why the penalty was awarded
4 drop goals – worth 3 points;
Larkham is dgg – drop goal God after that kick in the 1999 World Cup, this is a kick made during the flow of play from midfield.
Super 12/14 Caps: 107
(This is how many games Larkham has played for the Brumbies)
Test Points: 130 (24t, 2c, 2dg)
Test Caps: 95
(Games played as a Wallaby)
Test Debut: 1996 v Wales, Sydney
(Speaks for itself...)
Honours:
Australian Sevens 1996.
(First saw him play in the Hong Kong Sevens...skinny kid but damn brilliant.)
Australian Wallabies 1996-
This is Rugby World Cup year....and the year I lose a little (I said a little) bit of interest in Rugby.
Stephen Larkham will be retiring this year.
Hopefully he gets to scratch his initials on Bill** once more, before he goes.
I am not crying.
*George Gregan; scrumhalf #9 Wallaby and Brumby teammate for over 10 years
** Bill - The Webb Ellis Cup, the Rugby World Cup Trophy, named after the boy cedited for creating Rugby Union....Larkham scratched his initials on the cup. Yes he got into trouble. No he wasn't sober.
Really Long Link
Images from
Getty Images www.gettyimages.com
Australian Rugby Union www.rugby.com.au
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Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
not one word about the weight here as I crush the seat with my massive 78kg winger frame, peering down from my imperious 180cm tower.
Good one, I'll try and watch out for him next time.
Norm.
Comment by David my David
I can finally 'see' why you think Larkham is a god ..
I'm swapping teams ...
Not sexually ....
Just from AFL to Rugby ...
Now? I'm going to read your Post properly and stop perving on the pics *
David ...
Oh, and go to the gym before I put any naked pics of myself up ... *
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Oh you are fine and Normal....but I am glad you were here first as this post was inspired by your blasphemy last night....!
And for that gorgeous Norm...I thank you.
I actually have to be reminded that there are other people on the field...
I want LarkCam.
As always Norm...
Dusk
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
I will concede this.
There is one AFL player I think is just a....God he is beautiful...but...there is no way you will get me to concede the name in a public domain.
I'll PM you.
Vote for David.
This b&w photo of Stephen reminds me of another of pure brilliance....beyond brilliance...
...but yes....Larkham...mmmmm.....
Dusk
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I like that Stephen isn't a man mountain as most Rugby players are! I love that first photo of him in your post. Phwoooarrrrr......let me just wipe the drool off my keyboard.
I love a man who scratches his initials into a trophy when pissed.....now that's Australian!
My eyes enjoy the sight of Elton Flatley also.
Have a fabulous day lovely Dusk!
KylieW
Comment by David my David
Blown away here by you actually admitting that there is one AFL player you like ...
I'll take a stab ...
It's probably Paul Roos ... (with his Swans beak?
It really should be Kouta ... Larkham runs like Kouta ...and some of his calendar pics? In B&W? They usually make the cover. *
David ...
(Wish I had a body like Kouta (on me? ... Na, this coming out all wrong ... I wish my body was like Kouta's ... that's better ... e-NORM-ous will only read it and get a HARD-on *
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
No he's not a man mountain but I'd still love to scale that peak....
EEEEEEEK.
I can't believe I wrote that.
I must delete it. I must I must...ahh [delete] it.
That first photo?
I have tried to digitally remove the black...
I really must put this in the post...I can't believe I forgot. I did write it around 3am...oh yeah, this info is in the interview
Larkham's main appeal for me is his bod...er.... bodacious brain.
His IQ is genius level.
Well documented fact.
And watching him in action...pure magic.
Ahh...Elton...funny this Kylie, what you say ...Elton retired because he has a problem with his eyesight!
Have a great day KW...I'll be visiting you soon.
Dusk
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
I have interviewed Paul Roos.
Oh. What was that?
Something fell.
Ahhh...it's okay.
It was a name. I dropped it.
giggle
Paul Roos is a lovely man, very humble and gracious but no...uh uh.
Who's Kouta?
[bleep].. was that blashphe Me?
Aha. So you have watched Larkham in motion.
The cover shots? In b&w?
There's something about them...
Keep guessing David.
You'll eventually get it.
Dusk
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Good to see that you're not obsessed with any particular player and willing to keep an open mind about each and every male rugby star who takes to the sports field.
No bias on this site ...
Hang on ... (scrolling back through the post) ... I thought so - you forgot to mention his inside leg measurement. Shame on you, woman. And you call yourself a professional ...
Cara xx
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
AFL hasn't been the same for me since the Cappers went the full monty with that python....
giggle
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Hmmm....bias?...inside leg measurement?
I wonder if Stephen needs a tailor?
Oh [bleep]...DDH...my darling, if you're reading this... joke!
I'm tailor made for you.
Oh come on now...I know there's other players on the field.
They're the ones who aren't Stephen Larkham.
See you at your place Cara.
much MOSTEST love...
Dusk
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I didn't get a chance to google this man, as I said I would ... been up in the hills meditating.
So imagine my surprise and delight at stumbling on this post of yours?
Hmm, can't say that he's my cup of tea, but at least now I shall know what all the 'jiggling' is about ...
Shame we can't see his face on the first photo...
thanks for this, I must go, the guru is awaiting my return ... he needs enlightening!
cheers,
Lilla...
ps that book is being written, but I've hit another stumbling block and am excavating.
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Well...SL is not my cup of tea either...but he sure as hell is my Skim Latte!!
...long, lean and like a shot of caffeine!
It's all in the eyes.
Is this man brilliant? Aye
Is this man humble? Aye
Is this man...etc, etc...
I hope all is well Lilla...
Excavate and Illuminate.
Enlightening always strikes nice.
Thanks for flying by LL...
Dusk D
Comment by Optomistic Opportunism
Bohemian Hiphop
Japanese Jazz Funk
Optomystic Opportunism
Larkham, if you're reading this, remember: watch for those who write about you while you sleep.
HEY DUSKI! jazz-funkonichiwa, live n direct!
"When the pigs try to get atcha
Park it like its hot..."
Paying you in kind, Alpal (Opto)
Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
Punch drunk. <--FORGET I WROTE THIS WHOLE COMMENT
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
You the man...of Norman's Land.
A scrum punch?
Dusk
Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
My cauliflower cheesy ears are burning from the inside.
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Did you do the Mascot thing? (...and were you packing heat?....did you drop it while it's hot?)
Ahh...but when he sleeps, how can he watch?
Thanks for dropping by jazz-funkonichiwa.com
Dusk
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
*swooning*
hhhhmmmm I think I should start watching Rugby... from a purely health-conscious point of view...all that running and sweaty bodies and........
.....sorry I just fell off my chair there!
Good taste girl!
Ash
Comment by Optomistic Opportunism
Bohemian Hiphop
Japanese Jazz Funk
Optomystic Opportunism
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
That is exactly why I love rugby...it does wonders for ones heart rate...all you have to do is watch.
And I know you fell off your chair because you were overcome by the chiaroscuro aesthetic of the black and white photo...twas your photographer's eye (and your feminine aye...)
Thanks for coming by Ash!
Dusk
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
have a fab one!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007