“Unstoppable” – Sean Fitzpatrick selects his all-time All Blacks XV

Thursday, 27 November 2025 at 03:44

bySteven Smith

Michael Jones possessed a rare blend of pace, power, skill, and humility. He was one of the most naturally gifted forwards ever to play the game.

When Sean Fitzpatrick names his all-time All Blacks XV, the list carries the authority of a man who has played with — and against — some of the finest rugby players ever produced.

His all-time team, selected for Sky Sports, is a blend of generational legends, world champions, and transformational athletes who shaped the identity of the black jersey itself.

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Below is Fitzpatrick’s all-time All Blacks XV — and why each player earned their spot.

ALL-TIME ALL BLACKS XV

BACK THREE

Christian Cullen – Fullback (15)

Christian Cullen, known as “The Paekakariki Express,” is widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted attacking fullbacks in rugby history. Debuting in 1996, Cullen stunned the world with fearless running, otherworldly acceleration, and the ability to turn broken play into instant points.

With 46 tries in 58 Tests, he remains one of the All Blacks’ most prolific scorers. His counterattacking threat changed how teams defended from the backfield and cemented him as a global superstar.

Ben Smith – Right Wing (14)

Ben Smith was one of the most reliable and intelligent outside backs of the modern era. Renowned for his aerial ability, positional brilliance, and unflappable calm, Smith excelled at wing, fullback, and centre — but Fitzpatrick places him at 14 to complete an impeccable back three. His decision-making and defensive reading made him invaluable in high-pressure Test matches, especially during the 2015 World Cup triumph.

Jonah Lomu – Left Wing (11)

Jonah Lomu didn’t just play rugby — he changed it forever. At 6'5" and 120kg with sprinter’s pace, Lomu was rugby’s first true global icon. His 1995 Rugby World Cup performances remain the stuff of legend, most famously his semi-final dominance over England. Lomu scored 37 tries in 63 Tests and became the prototype for the modern power wing. Fitzpatrick describes him simply: “A force of nature.”

MIDFIELD

Conrad Smith – Outside Centre (13)

Conrad Smith’s game was built not on flash, but on brilliance disguised as simplicity. His defensive organisation, subtle running lines, and distribution made him the perfect link-man in the All Blacks backline for over a decade. Smith formed one of rugby’s greatest-ever midfield partnerships and was central to the game control that defined New Zealand’s golden era between 2010 and 2015.

Ma’a Nonu – Inside Centre (12)

Ma’a Nonu evolved from an explosive power-runner into one of the most complete centres in world rugby. Known early for his directness and physicality, he later developed elite passing, tactical kicking, and defensive leadership. With over 100 Test caps and two World Cup titles, Nonu’s partnership with Conrad Smith defined All Blacks attacking structure for years.

HALVES

Dan Carter – Fly-half (10)

Dan Carter is widely considered the most complete No. 10 the sport has ever seen. He combined impeccable kicking, flawless game management, explosive running, and defensive strength.

His 2005 performance against the British & Irish Lions remains one of the greatest by any fly-half. A two-time World Cup winner and three-time World Player of the Year, Carter is the standard by which fly-halves are measured.

Aaron Smith – Scrum-half (9)

Aaron Smith revolutionized the pace of the modern All Blacks attack. His pass — fast, flat and accurate — accelerated the tempo of New Zealand’s entire game plan. Beyond his distribution, Smith’s decision-making, support lines, and tactical awareness have kept him at the top of world rugby for over a decade. His service made the Carter-led attack almost impossible to contain.

FRONT ROW

Tony Woodcock – Loosehead Prop (1)

Tony Woodcock was a cornerstone of the All Blacks scrum for more than a decade. Strong, technically sound, and relentless in work rate, he delivered in set-piece rugby’s most hostile battles. His try in the 2011 World Cup final — a perfectly hit lineout move — remains one of the most iconic moments in New Zealand rugby history.

Dane Coles – Hooker (2)

Dane Coles helped redefine the modern hooker. His mobility, pace, and skill set allowed the All Blacks to attack with 15 genuine threats. Coles was equally effective in the set piece, but his open-field running, offloading, and support play made him stand out. Fitzpatrick, who played the same position, praised Coles for bringing a new dimension to the role.

Olo Brown – Tighthead Prop (3)

Olo Brown is often described by teammates as one of the best scrummagers New Zealand has ever produced. Understated but immensely powerful, Brown anchored the All Blacks front row throughout the 1990s. His technique and stability gave New Zealand a platform in an era when scrummaging contests were brutally contested.

LOCKS

Brodie Retallick – Lock (4)

Few locks combine physicality, athleticism, and skill like Brodie Retallick. His explosiveness around the field, breakdown pressure, and ball-playing gave the All Blacks a dynamic edge. World Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2014, Retallick set the benchmark for the modern lock.

Sam Whitelock – Lock (5)

Sam Whitelock’s consistency, leadership, and lineout mastery have made him one of the most capped and respected forwards in New Zealand history. A two-time World Cup winner, Whitelock brought calm authority to the tight five. Together, the Retallick-Whitelock partnership is considered one of the greatest lock duos in the professional era.

LOOSE FORWARDS

Michael Jones – Blindside Flanker (6)

Revered as “The Iceman,”

Jones scored the first try of both the 1987 and 1991 World Cups and was praised for his tackling technique and athleticism. His influence extended far beyond statistics — he embodied what the black jersey stood for.

Richie McCaw – Openside Flanker, Captain (7)

Richie McCaw is widely acknowledged as the greatest openside flanker in rugby history. With unmatched work rate, breakdown mastery, and leadership, McCaw captained New Zealand to two World Cup titles and a sustained era of dominance.

His consistency and ability to influence critical moments made him a once-in-a-generation competitor.

Zinzan Brooke – Number Eight (8)

Zinzan Brooke’s flair and athleticism transformed the No. 8 position. Known for long-range drop goals, audacious running, and fierce tackling, Brooke brought a skill set rare among forwards of his era.

His impact in the 1990s helped define the All Blacks’ fearless, expressive style of play.