Is This All Blacks Side the Greatest Ever?

It is always hard to make a call on whether a side can be deemed the greatest ever in any sport - rule changes mean that certain elements of the game in the past that might have made a side great aren't relevant anymore, along with other things, including rugby union turning professional in the mid 1990s, meaning the game that we might have grown up with is different from the one we witness now.

However, if there was one side that could possibly be deemed the greatest All Blacks side ever, this current crop could very well be it.

The All Blacks have played 34 tests since they played Tonga in the opening game of the 2011 Rugby World Cup and have only lost once that whole time - that shock loss to England at Twickenham this time last year which they have since avenged emphatically and look set to go 35 tests with only 1 defeat when they take on an Irish side smarting from a beating from a below-par Wallabies team and yet to beat the All Blacks in their entire history.



During that time, the All Blacks have come close to beating the world record for the longest winning run in international rugby - that run ended against Australia in Brisbane last year - and also won the Rugby World Cup.

They've also had a few changes to the coaching and playing personnel during that time. Yet, the All Blacks have actually improved and gotten stronger with those changes.

If there is anyone who deserves credit for the current success the ABs are enjoying now, it has gotta be Uncle Ted, Graham Henry. Henry's reappointment in 2008 following the disastrous 2007 Rugby World Cup was met with controversy, but it turned out to be the best ever decision the NZRU made, putting in place continuity and structure not just for current but future success.

The ABs will lose games in the future - it comes natural with sport - but given the clear progression of budding young Super Rugby/ITM Cup stars into the All Blacks and the guidance they now receive from seniors, the tricky transition period that has affected the ABs' rivals has somewhat been navigated with ease.

Look at the way the likes of Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles, Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick, Julian Savea, Steven Luatua, Sam Cane, Charles Piutau and Ben Smith have slotted in to the ABs side with ease.

Yes, the ABs still have their experienced stars, Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, but no longer is an absence to either of them a national disaster, with a host of young stars, i.e. Sam Cane and Aaron Cruden ready to step up at any time.

And that is the mark of a tremendous team in any sport.

And quite close to being the greatest ever.

So what nickname shall we give the class of 2013? The Unbeatables? Your suggestions please.