Coincidentally,just as theHerald’s poll had predicted,the final two jerseys of the evening were the 1984 grand slam strip and that of the 1991 World Cup side captained by Nick Farr-Jones and coached by Bob Dwyer.
A group in Sydney and a smaller gathering in Brisbane would have the final vote. Those at Crown Sydney,treated to Guillaume Brahimi’s cuisine for the evening,decided 17-13 in favour of the 1991 strip over the 1984 jersey.
But once the voting in Brisbane had been completed,drama ensued. There was a tied vote. Never mind the fact David Campese had voted for both jerseys,a tie was the final result.
After quick consultation,it was decided that McLennan would have the deciding vote. Given no one in the room looked directly at the RA chairman when he raised his hand initially,it was ultimately his call.
He informed the event’s cohort,littered with former Wallabies coaches and World Cup-winning captains,that indeed the 1991 jersey was No.1 in his eyes. There was widespread approval.
“You wouldn’t have scripted it but the truth is the 1984 and 1991 jerseys are very close,” McLennan said. “You’ve got some of the best rugby brains in Australia and they’re all getting on and sharing their wisdom which is fantastic.