The 2023 Rugby Championship continues this weekend, with all eyes on Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup match between the All Blacks and the Wallabies.
This age old rivalry will enter its newest chapter with Eddie Jones back in charge, as he takes on New Zealand for the first time in his second stint as Australia Head Coach. The Wallabies desperately need a victory, after a heavy loss to South Africa and a souring defeat to Argentina.
A winless Rugby Championship campaign would be a total set-back, just over a month away from the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks see this weekend as an opportunity to reinforce their status, as one of the favourites to take home the Web Ellis Trophy from France. Ian Foster’s side recently shocked a re-enforced Springboks side with a 35-20 triumph, and reminded the rugby world of their ability to come good in the biggest matches.
Ahead of the Bledisloe Cup clash, we decided to pick the all-time XV’s for New Zealand and Australia. These two squads contain some of history’s greatest ever players, in what has sized up to be an ultimate clash for the ages.
Who do you think would win this match between the All Blacks and Wallabies dream teams?
TLDR: You can see the final line-ups by skipping to page 6
All Blacks All-Time Greatest XV
15. Christian Cullen
One of the most exciting players of his time, Cullen was a true entertainer in the black jersey. Known best for his speed, agility and fleet-footedness, Cullen could sidestep his opponents in a phone box. With 46 tries in 58 All Blacks tests, he is worthy of taking the number 15 jersey becoming the first name on this all-star XV.
14. Doug Howlett
The All Blacks all-time top try scorer, flying winger Doug Howlett takes up the right wing in this dream XV. Howlett scored 49 tries for New Zealand, with his unmatched speed taking him to the top of his game for club and country. Starring most prominently for the Blues, Howlett scored 59 tries in 114 Super Rugby matches, before taking the Northern Hemisphere my storm with Munster.
11. Jonah Lomu
Rugby’s first superstar that is regarded in the conversion for the greatest player of all time. Jonah Lomu took rugby into the global media spotlight, with his dominant performances for the All Blacks at the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups. He scored 15 tries in 2 RWC tournaments, which is a record that still stands to this day.
13. Tana Umaga
Tana Umaga captained the All Blacks from 2004 to 2005, with an impressive international record of 74 tests and 36 tries. Coupled with the rare skillset of powering crashing lines and delicate passing accuracy, Umaga could go it alone through the heart of the opposition, or use his expert awareness to create space for his teammates to exploit.
12. Ma’a Nonu
Finishing off his All Blacks career at the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final, Nonu scored his final international try with a sublime solo effort against age old rivals Australia. Still tearing up the domestic game at 41-years-old, Nonu stars for San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby over in the United States. An undoubted All Blacks great, Nonu partners Umaga to form a formidable centre duo.