World of Boxing and Rugby Union
Openside Flanker
4. Finley Calder
A captain’s captain.
Whilst only having a relative short international career from 1986-1991 where he achieved 34 caps for his native Scotland and 3 for the British Lions Calder has left his impression on the game that still echoes today.
Calder was a no-nonsense player who knew what was required to win and set himself to the task. The Scot was not outstanding at anything apart from ensuring his opposite was less outstanding than himself by employing any and all means possible. Calder had the ability to work effectively in concert with those around him. This quality must have contributed to Calder being named captain of the 1989 British Lions tour of Australia that possessed a touring party of big personalities including Brian Moore, Gareth Chillcott, Mike Teague and Will Carling.
Whilst many say Australia had more class than the Lions, Calder ensured the Australians knew they were not tougher. Calder led an orchestrated assault on Australian rugby that stunned the Australians and has been a blueprint for British and Irish teams since on how to beat the Wallabies.
It comes as no surprise that whilst Calder played for Scotland, Murrayfield became a fortress. In his six years in international rugby Scotland lost only twice at home achieving an 86% win ratio.
A magnificent leader of men and openside flanker was Finlay Calder.
Finlay Calder holds a unique place in Lions history as the only 20th century captain to lead the team to a series victory after losing the opening Test.
In 1989, the Scotland flanker was a crucial influence on the second international against Australia, the winning of which squared the series and gave the Lions the momentum to clinch overall victory in the decider. As well as driving his troops on verbally and controlling the direction of the fury with which they started that ill-tempered match, Calder's support play and hard yards in the loose were crucial in building the platforms from which the Lions scored their two tries.
Having made his international debut in 1986, Calder made history three years later by following his brother Jim, a 1983 tourist, into the red jersey, making them the only twins to have played for the Lions.
Finlay travelled to Australia as captain but was soon under pressure to justify his place in the Test team due to intense competition from England openside and future member of the 2001 and 2005 coaching staff Andy Robinson . A hamstring injury had hampered the skipper's early form but he proved his value to the side with a dynamic, destructive display against Queensland more in keeping with his reputation and record.
The full measure of Calder's worth was seen not only on the pitch but also off it as he and coach Sir Ian McGeechan had to take the brunt of an orchestrated media campaign against the tourists over alleged foul play, particularly after the second Test. Calder's steely gaze rebuffed all attempts to unsettle his men and he and his side had the final word in Sydney when they coolly dismantled the Walllaby pack to lay the foundations of their historic series victory.