All Blacks Come 2016?

The All Blacks are facing the biggest fundamental change in their lineup in nearly a decade following the Rugby World Cup in England later this year.

It has been a while coming but even with the new generation of players now coming through the ranks, the departures from the side are quite significant and the personnel leaving will definitely be missed even if they may be past their prime (just).

I'm talking about Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Richie McCaw, Conrad Smith, Keven Mealamu and possibly Tony Woodcock who has only signed up to the end of the 2015 season. All 6 have been on the All Blacks scene for the last 10 years with Mealamu having made his debut back in 2001.

Fortunately, the mourning over the loss of these players is non-existent, with plenty of players now rising to the occassion and ready to step in to the shoes of these All Black legends.

Nevertheless, come 2016, when Wellington will host a All Blacks test - they will miss out this season as the Rugby Championship is down to one round robin and no other tests being played due to the Rugby World Cup - the All Blacks will look very different. Besides the 6 aforementioned players, Jeremy Thrush, Ben Franks and several other players have also announced their departure to pastures anew.

But how different?

Here's my tip -

1.Wyatt Crockett
2.Dane Coles
3.Owen Franks
4.Brodie Retallick
5.Sam Whitelock
6.Jerome Kaino
7.Sam Cane
8.Kieran Read
9.Aaron Smith
10.Aaron Cruden
11.Julian Savea
12.Ryan Crotty
13.Ben Smith
14.Charles Piutau
15.Israel Dagg