The All Blacks are back. And while it is Argentina they're playing at home in a game they should win, it is good to get them back - I was getting withdrawal symptoms.
What is your greatest All Blacks XV ever? Here's mine.
1.Sir Wilson Whineray - the greatest loosehead prop ever born in NZ, a born leader and legend
2.Sean Fitzpatrick - the most decorated hooker/captain ever
3.Carl Hayman - the greatest tighthead prop ever
4.Colin Meads - Pinetree, nuff said
5.Brad Thorn - deserves a mention as one of our greatest, just for his longevity, definitely a legend
6.Michael Jones - one of our best blindside and openside flankers
7.Richie McCaw - our greatest player ever
8.Zinzan Brooke - the most skilled forward in history
9.David Kirk - our best halfback ever
10.Dan Carter - the best first five ever in the game
11.Jonah Lomu - unstoppable at this best and rugby's first superstar
12.Frank Bunce - versatile and
13.Conrad Smith - our greatest outside centre ever
14.Jeff Wilson - it's Goldie
15.Christian Cullen - Paekakiriki Express, nuff said
16.Keven Mealamu - 100 caps, our most capped hooker
17.Tony Woodcock - one of our greatest looseheads
18.John Drake - tighthead at 1987 World Cup
19.Ian Jones - one of our best ever locks
20.Buck Shelford - Bring Back Buck!
21.Sid Going - one of our most electric halfbacks
22.Sir Fred Allen - one of our best ever first fives
23.Tana Umaga - superb winger or centre - had mana
Thoughts?
No Mils? No Kaino?
ReplyDeleteIt depends on criteria. David Kirk was good, but retired young. Chris Laidlaw introduced the dive pass, while players like Justin Marshall and Byron Kelleher have played lots of tests. George Nepia, Don Clarke and Bob Scott were considered great fullbacks, while Mils played 100 tests. Brian Lochore was a great number eight.
ReplyDeleteThe modern players would demolish most of the old guys because they are so big and get the plaudits because they play far more games than they ever used to. I have my doubts about Frank Bunce and Brad Thorn being out of position - Bunce and outside centre for the ABs although an inside centre for Manu Samoa. Brad Thorn has always been a Number 4 at the front of the lineout rather than a Number Five. We need a ball winning genuine lineout forward in there. I wonder if you need a centre combination because Little and Bunce were great, but that would mean putting Ma'a Nonu with Conrad Smith.