Three of the greatest coaches in All Blacks history have picked their dream XVs – and they couldn't agree on some of rugby's biggest names.
Sir Graham Henry, Sir Steve Hansen and Sir Wayne Smith all made their selections, with Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Jonah Lomu among the stars to feature.
But while some positions were easy choices, others caused plenty of debate.
In fact, all three coaches picked a different scrum-half.
The selections were first revealed in September 2023 as part of the NZR+ series Masterminds.
Graham Henry's greatest All Blacks XV
The former World Cup-winning coach backed several stars from his time in charge.
Henry picked Tony Woodcock and Sean Fitzpatrick in the front row, while Colin Meads joined Sam Whitelock at lock.
He also found room for Michael Jones, Richie McCaw and Zinzan Brooke in a fearsome back row.
Henry's XV:
- Tony Woodcock
- Sean Fitzpatrick
- Ken Gray
- Colin Meads
- Sam Whitelock
- Michael Jones
- Richie McCaw (captain)
- Zinzan Brooke
- Chris Laidlaw
- Dan Carter
- Jonah Lomu
- Ma'a Nonu
- Bruce Robertson
- John Kirwan
- Christian Cullen
Steve Hansen's greatest All Blacks XV
Hansen made some bold calls, including leaving out two of New Zealand's most famous forwards.
The former All Blacks boss picked Dane Coles ahead of Sean Fitzpatrick at hooker.
He also left Colin Meads out of his second row, instead choosing Brodie Retallick alongside Sam Whitelock.
Hansen backed the pair's long-standing partnership.
Hansen's XV:
- Tony Woodcock
- Dane Coles
- Ken Gray
- Brodie Retallick
- Sam Whitelock
- Ian Kirkpatrick
- Richie McCaw (captain)
- Zinzan Brooke
- Aaron Smith
- Dan Carter
- Jonah Lomu
- Ma'a Nonu
- Bruce Robertson
- John Kirwan
- Christian Cullen
Wayne Smith's greatest All Blacks XV
Smith went further back in history for several of his selections.
He picked Wilson Whineray at loosehead prop, with the former captain's leadership playing a major part in his decision.
Smith also backed Dave Loveridge at scrum-half and Conrad Smith at outside centre.
Smith's XV:
- Wilson Whineray
- Sean Fitzpatrick
- Ken Gray
- Colin Meads
- Sam Whitelock
- Michael Jones
- Richie McCaw (captain)
- Zinzan Brooke
- Dave Loveridge
- Dan Carter
- Jonah Lomu
- Ma'a Nonu
- Conrad Smith
- John Kirwan
- Christian Cullen
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Three huge selection debates
1. Colin Meads misses out
Perhaps the biggest shock came from Hansen.
Despite Meads being named New Zealand's player of the 20th century, Hansen went with Retallick and Whitelock.
Henry and Smith both backed Meads.
2. Dane Coles beats Sean Fitzpatrick
Hansen also went against the other two coaches at hooker.
He felt Fitzpatrick had changed the role, but believed Coles had taken it to another level with his style of play.
Henry and Smith both preferred Fitzpatrick.
3. Three different scrum-halves
This was the only position where all three coaches made different choices.
Henry went for Chris Laidlaw, Hansen backed Aaron Smith and Wayne Smith chose Dave Loveridge.
It shows just how hard it is to compare players from different eras.
Dan Carter and Jonah Lomu get unanimous backing
There was no debate over several of New Zealand's greatest backs.
All three coaches picked Carter at fly-half, with Ma'a Nonu alongside him.
Jonah Lomu and John Kirwan claimed the wing spots, while Christian Cullen took the number 15 shirt.
Beauden Barrett was considered at fly-half and fullback, but missed out.
Richie McCaw also beat Sean Fitzpatrick to the captaincy.
It left three sides packed with rugby legends, World Cup winners and some of the greatest players to wear the famous black jersey.
Have your say: Which coach picked the strongest All Blacks XV? And who would you choose as the greatest scrum-half in New Zealand history?
Source: All Blacks – Leading coaches pick their all-time All Blacks XV, 19 September 2023.
