Top 5: Kiwis claimed by Australia

Aside from the long-weekend, claiming something as 'Australian' seems to be something of a national pastime amongst my countryfolk, with particular emphasis focussed on anything from the land of the long white cloud.

One recent example is Robbie Dean, the Kiwi rugby Coach who has recently led the under-sized Wallabies into good wins against South Africa and New Zealand itself.

But Robbie is just the latest in a long list of Kiwis claimed as a dinkum-die Aussie. After a very quick filter of the list, I have come up with this Top 5:

5) Russell Crowe

Not really claimed by either side due to general Bogon-ness, and even though he owns the South Sydney Rabbitoes, his first cousin is Martin Crowe (Kiwi cricketing legend). I do like that he throws phones at people though, so will claim him as one of mine.

4) Jane Campion

Dubious as I doubt she has ever claimed to be Australian, but her films are too awesome not to be stolen as our own under the 'Antipodean' banner.

3) Alan Dale

The bolter in this pack, Alan was little known outside his performances in 'Neighbours' until he was picked up by Lost/The OC/Indiana Jones etc etc. Lesser known still was his Kiwi status.

2) Phar Lap

Of course he was Australian...

1) Neil Finn

I could have gone for most of Split Enz here, but Neil has gone on to prominence globally, so it looks better for the sunburnt country to claim him alone.