4. Brodie Retallick
Amongst the best locks in the world, Retallick made his breakthrough into the New Zealand U20s side which won the 2011 World Championship, in line with the senior team’s World Cup success. The Chiefs legend has played over 100 test matches for the All Blacks, with his tally set to increase at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He was an integral pillar in the scrum, that dominated Australia in the 2015 RWC Final.
5. Sam Whitelock
Hoping to become the first player in history to win three Rugby World Cups, Sam Whitelock has had a decorated career in the black jersey. A stalwart of the 2011 and 2015 RWC success, and countless dominant years in the Tri Nations and Rugby Championship, Whitelock is the last of an era. His longevity is encapsulated as being the most capped All Blacks lock with 143 appearances and counting.
6. Michael Jones
Michael Jones had an unmatched work-rate in the black jersey, and was pivotal to the All Blacks success during the 1980s and early 1990s. He was a key leader on the pitch, and a figurehead for New Zealand’s 1987 Rugby World Cup triumph. Regarded as one of the hardest hitters of the late amateur era, Jones slots in this squad at blindside flanker.
7. Richie McCaw (Captain)
The third man in this All Blacks starting XV who is regarded as the best to ever play the game, McCaw has recently received the experts choice for the status as the G.O.A.T. The only man in history to captain a side to two Rugby World Cup triumphs, McCaw’s accomplishments sees pundits and fans regard him as the greatest ever All Black. The most capped New Zealand international with 148 test caps, his record stood for all of international rugby before he was surpassed by Alun Wyn Jones.
8. Kieran Read
Completing the All Blacks starting XV is arguably the best number eight of the modern era. Rivalled only by the great Italian Sergio Parrise, Kieran Read’s leadership, ball-carrying and tackling sets him apart from the pack. A foundation for the All Blacks success in the 2010s, Read retired after his 127th cap, when the All Blacks took bronze at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Dane Coles
17. Wilson Whinery
18. Colin Meads
19. Jerome Kaino
20. Bryan George Williams
21. Conrad Smith
22. Richie Mo’unga
23. Beauden Barrett
Now, onto the Wallabies…