The 5 Most Overrated All Blacks Of All Time (Ranked)

From World Cup winners and record-breakers to icons who helped define entire eras of the sport, New Zealand's greatest players have set standards the rest of the rugby world can only dream of matching.

But with greatness comes debate.

Some players become so celebrated that their reputation eventually grows beyond what they actually achieved on the field. That doesn't mean they weren't world-class. In fact, many of the most overrated players in rugby history were still outstanding internationals.

With that in mind, we've counted down the five most overrated All Blacks of all time – players whose reputations perhaps exceed their true standing in New Zealand rugby history.

At his peak, "The Bus" looked unstoppable and was tipped to challenge for the title of greatest wing of all time.

Savea's try-scoring record remains exceptional, with 46 tries in just 54 Tests, but his international career declined rapidly after an explosive start. While he was undoubtedly world-class, some of the early comparisons with Jonah Lomu now look slightly premature.

Quirky fact: Savea scored eight tries during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, equalling Jonah Lomu's tournament record.

Few players have ever possessed more natural talent than Carlos Spencer.

His outrageous offloads, no-look passes and moments of magic made him a fan favourite across the rugby world. However, Spencer's reputation often seems to be built as much on highlights as achievements.

Despite his brilliance, he never fully cemented himself as New Zealand's long-term first-choice fly-half and won just 35 Test caps.

Quirky fact: Spencer became the first player to score 100 points in Super Rugby history.

This is where the debate really begins.

A two-time World Rugby Player of the Year and one of the finest attacking players rugby has ever seen, Barrett's place among New Zealand's greats is secure.

However, some supporters rank him alongside Dan Carter as one of the greatest fly-halves ever. While Barrett was devastating with ball in hand, many would argue he was never as complete a game manager or tactical controller as Carter.

Quirky fact: Barrett is one of four brothers to play professional rugby, alongside Scott, Jordie and Kane.

Tana Umaga was a superb leader, world-class centre and one of the most respected captains in All Blacks history.

The reason he appears so high on this list is because some fans place him at the very top of New Zealand's midfield hierarchy. While Umaga was exceptional, there is a strong argument that Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Frank Bunce and Bruce Robertson all have equally compelling, if not stronger, claims.

That says more about the incredible standard of All Blacks centres than it does about Umaga himself.

Quirky fact: Umaga famously switched from wing to centre midway through his international career and excelled in both positions.

No player divides opinion among All Blacks supporters quite like Sam Cane.

Cane earned more than 100 Test caps, captained New Zealand and lifted multiple Rugby Championship titles. Yet throughout his career, many questioned whether he truly belonged among the elite openside flankers of the professional era.

Following Richie McCaw was always going to be an impossible task, but comparisons with McCaw and even contemporary star Ardie Savea often left Cane looking a level below despite his status within the team.

His achievements deserve respect, but few All Blacks have generated such a large gap between reputation and public perception.

Quirky fact: Cane became the youngest player to score a try on his All Blacks debut when he crossed against Fiji in 2012.

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