By Roonaldo
January 21 2003

Austin Healey is a player who divides the rugby fraternity; he is worshipped by many due to his immense talent, and loathed in equal measure by those who suffer at his brilliance.

Healey has been described as "the most creative and imaginative player in England" (The Times), while the unforgettable quote "He is undoubtedly the greatest rugby player ever…. well joint first with Niall Malone" (Roonaldo) will probably become his epitaph. It's often said that Healey talks too much, but like Roy Keane, Paolo Di Canio, Shane Warne, and Alain Prost, his performance on the pitch permits him to speak his mind (and in any case, it's nice to have some openness from Welford Road once in a while). The fact that Healey is 'a card' often takes away from his rugby ability. As you will see from my top ten Healey moments his rugby achievements would sit comfortably with those of any player in the world's, and the fact that I've probably missed out some glaringly obvious ones only serves to highlight his quality.

10: His try against Neath. Once again he came up with the goods when he was needed most. The defence knew what was coming but could do nothing to stop it.

9: His appearance on 'Superstars'. He obliterated the opposition and managed to avoid the advances of the randiest man in sport, Dwight Yorke. Maybe that's why he was running so quickly.

8: Lions v ACT Brumbies (part 1). In the process of getting the Lions back into the game with his first try he managed to annoy an Australian, which has got to be applauded. Set up the game nicely for part 2.

7: His TV advert.So awful it's brilliant. Graham Gooch must hate Austin for taking away his retirement money.

6: His hat-trick against Italy. A hat-trick is impressive regardless of the strength of the opposition, and he scored a cracking try when he collected his own chip over the defence.

5: The documentary of the Lions in Australia. The main entertainment, and he needed to be to break up the footage of Graham Henry challenging Peter Wheeler for the title of the world's most boring speaker. The ribbing of Dorian West is first class.

4: Lions v ACT Brumbies (part 2). An absolutely brilliant team try, but it was shame that he was injured in the process of scoring it. The try capped a brilliant comeback, and was added to by a gutsy kick by Matt Dawson. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, us Evertonians possess that golden touch. ]

3: His solo try against Llanelli at Welford Road The best individual effort I've ever seen on a rugby pitch. He beat most of their team and touched down in the corner between the Members Stand and the A&L. Brilliant.

2: Paris. Most of you would have this at No. 1 but I wasn't there because of my season ticket at Goodison so it's at 2 for me. Inspirational when moved to fly half, his break for Lloyd's winning try and the timing of his pass were exquisite. For the record Everton drew 2-2.

1: Cardiff. Some questioned whether he deserved the fly half berth for the final, but he answered his doubters emphatically. He controlled the game well, scored a fantastic try, and made several crucial defensive interventions. Revelled in a cracking big match atmosphere.