Ultimate Combined All Blacks and Wallabies All-Time XV

New Zealand already have the upper hand after edging Australia 33–24 at Eden Park last week, but with pride on the line, both nations will want to finish strongly.

In the spirit of the contest, we’ve pieced together a combined all-time All Blacks and Wallabies XV—bringing together legends whose skill, toughness, and flair shaped rugby history on both sides of the Tasman.

Nicknamed the “Paekakariki Express,” Christian Cullen was one of the most electric fullbacks the game has seen. His speed, instinct and ability to create something from nothing made him a nightmare for defenders. Cullen finished with 46 test tries in just 58 appearances, once a New Zealand record, and he remains among the world’s most prolific scorers. Whether carving up for the Hurricanes or dazzling on the international stage, he epitomised attacking rugby, leaving fans breathless with his counterattacks and finishing power.

Jonah Lomu redefined what a winger could be. At 6’5” and 125kg, he combined frightening power with sprinting speed, trampling over opponents while making it look effortless. Bursting onto the scene as a teenager in 1994, he quickly became rugby’s first global superstar. Lomu scored 37 tries in 63 tests and inspired a generation, particularly with his unforgettable performances at the 1995 World Cup. Both unstoppable and graceful, he remains one of rugby’s most iconic figures—forever remembered for changing the sport’s landscape.

Frank Bunce was the backbone of New Zealand’s midfield through much of the 1990s, renowned for his hard-hitting defence and uncompromising style. Yet he was far more than a stopper—his ability to straighten the line and unleash those outside him gave balance to the All Blacks’ backline. Playing until the age of 35, Bunce was remarkably durable and left the game as New Zealand’s most-capped centre at the time. His blend of toughness, intelligence and attacking nous made him indispensable.

Tim Horan was the complete inside centre: strong, creative, defensively rock-solid, and blessed with superb vision. A stalwart for the Wallabies throughout the 1990s, he was central to their Rugby World Cup triumphs in 1991 and 1999. Horan could glide through defences just as easily as he could marshal them, making him one of Australia’s greatest ever backs. Beyond his skill, it was his consistency and calmness under pressure that set him apart, earning respect from teammates and opponents alike.

David Campese was rugby’s ultimate entertainer—a winger who combined flair, unpredictability and audacity. Famous for his trademark “goose-step,” he scored 101 tries across his international career, dazzling fans and tormenting defenders in equal measure. Capable of moments of genius that changed games in an instant, Campese also earned respect as a match-winner in an era of tough competition. His influence stretched beyond the field, with pundits and players alike recognising him as one of the sport’s most gifted performers.

Few players ever controlled a game like Dan Carter. With his flawless kicking, silky passing, and calm authority, he set the standard for fly-halves worldwide. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner and three-time World Player of the Year, Carter’s record haul of test points reflects not only his accuracy but also his longevity at the very top. Whether guiding the Crusaders in Super Rugby or dictating play for the All Blacks, he combined artistry and precision in equal measure.

George Gregan was the heartbeat of the Wallabies for more than a decade, renowned for his sharp service, quick wit and relentless competitiveness. A veteran of four Rugby World Cups, he lifted the trophy in 1999 and captained Australia with distinction in the early 2000s. His partnership with Stephen Larkham remains one of the game’s most enduring, anchoring both Brumbies and Wallabies success. Gregan’s famous “Four more years” sledge to New Zealand summed up his fiery edge as a competitor.

A cornerstone of the All Blacks pack in the late 1980s and early ’90s, Steve McDowell was a prop who thrived on hard graft and scrummaging power. Strong, durable and uncompromising, he earned 46 test caps and was part of New Zealand’s triumphant 1987 Rugby World Cup squad. McDowell’s work often went unnoticed next to the flashier names behind him, but his reliability at set-piece time and relentless commitment around the park made him a valued figure in black.

Sean Fitzpatrick is remembered not just as one of the game’s finest hookers, but also as a leader who embodied All Black values. Making his debut in 1986, he went on to play 92 tests, captaining New Zealand through some of its toughest and most defining moments. Fiercely competitive, he guided the side to famous series wins, including in South Africa in 1996. With a Rugby World Cup medal from 1987 and multiple titles with Auckland, Fitzpatrick left an enduring legacy.

Ewen McKenzie anchored Australia’s scrum throughout the 1990s. A World Cup winner in 1991, he played 51 tests for the Wallabies and was a stalwart for the Waratahs. Known for his tough edge and ability to absorb pressure up front, McKenzie later transitioned into coaching, where he guided both Super Rugby sides and the national team. As a player, his consistency in the dark arts of scrummaging gave Australia a strong platform in an era of great success.

Colin “Pinetree” Meads stands as one of rugby’s most iconic figures. Playing 55 tests across 14 years, he became a symbol of New Zealand rugby’s toughness and grit. Meads was uncompromising, physically imposing, and revered for his work ethic on and off the ball. Voted New Zealand’s Player of the Century, he was as much a folk hero as a rugby star. For many, Meads represented the spirit of the All Blacks — hard, humble, and relentlessly competitive.

John Eales, nicknamed “Nobody” because “nobody’s perfect,” was a lock who transcended his position. A natural leader, he captained the Wallabies in an era of golden success, guiding them to World Cup glory in 1999 and playing a key role in the 1991 triumph. Remarkably, Eales was also a goal-kicker, racking up points normally reserved for backs. Calm under pressure, respected worldwide, and a player who delivered in the biggest moments, he remains one of Australia’s greatest sportsmen.

Jerome Kaino embodied power and commitment in the All Blacks jersey. A relentless tackler and ball-carrier, he played a crucial role in New Zealand’s back-to-back World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015. With more than a decade at the top and over 130 games for the Blues, Kaino became known for his consistency and big-game temperament. Whether smashing into rucks or shutting down opposition attacks, he was a warrior who set the tone physically for those around him.

Richie McCaw is widely hailed as rugby’s greatest player. With 148 tests, 110 of them as captain, he set records that may never be matched. Twice a Rugby World Cup-winning skipper, three-time World Player of the Year, and relentless at the breakdown, McCaw combined intelligence with ferocious competitiveness. His ability to influence matches, lead from the front, and push through pain made him the heartbeat of the All Blacks for 14 years. Simply put, McCaw redefined modern openside play.

Zinzan Brooke was no ordinary number eight. While he brought the physicality expected of a forward, he also possessed skills rare for a man of his size — most memorably his long-range drop goals and dazzling attacking instincts. Brooke scored 17 tries in tests, then a record for a forward, and captained the Blues to Super Rugby glory. Unpredictable yet dependable, he could change a game with one moment of brilliance. Brooke remains one of rugby’s most gifted big men.