The All Blacks are one of the most storied and successful rugby union teams in history. Since their formation in 1903, the team has produced some of the greatest players ever to grace the field. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best All Blacks of all time.
- Richie McCaw Richie McCaw is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time, not just in New Zealand but around the world. McCaw played for the All Blacks from 2001 to 2015 and captained the team to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015. He played in a record-breaking 148 test matches and was known for his incredible work rate, leadership, and ability to dominate the breakdown.
- Dan Carter Dan Carter is widely regarded as one of the best fly-halves in rugby union history. He played for the All Blacks from 2003 to 2015 and was a key member of the teams that won the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015. Carter holds the record for the most test points scored by an All Black, with a total of 1,598 points.
- Sean Fitzpatrick Sean Fitzpatrick is considered one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. He played for the team from 1986 to 1997 and captained the team for six years, during which time they won the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. Fitzpatrick was known for his physicality, leadership, and strong set-piece play.
- Jonah Lomu Jonah Lomu is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time. He played for the All Blacks from 1994 to 2002 and is the joint top try scorer in Rugby World Cup history, with 15 tries. Lomu was known for his incredible speed, power, and ability to break tackles.
- Colin Meads Colin Meads is considered one of the greatest rugby players of all time, not just in New Zealand but around the world. He played for the All Blacks from 1957 to 1971 and is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most hardworking players to ever wear the black jersey. Meads was known for his incredible work rate, toughness, and leadership.
- Zinzan Brooke Zinzan Brooke is widely regarded as one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. He played for the team from 1987 to 1997 and is known for his skill, versatility, and leadership. Brooke played in three Rugby World Cups and is famous for his drop goal against England in the 1995 tournament.
- Christian Cullen Christian Cullen is considered one of the greatest fullbacks in rugby union history. He played for the All Blacks from 1996 to 2002 and scored 46 tries in 58 test matches. Cullen was known for his incredible speed, agility, and attacking flair.
- Michael Jones Michael Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. He played for the team from 1987 to 1998 and is known for his incredible work rate, athleticism, and skill. Jones played in two Rugby World Cups and was a key member of the team that won the inaugural tournament in 1987.
- John Kirwan John Kirwan is considered one of the greatest wingers in rugby union history. He played for the All Blacks from 1984 to 1994 and scored 35 tries in 63 test matches. Kirwan was known for his incredible speed, agility, and attacking flair.
- Grant Fox Grant Fox is widely regarded as one of the best fly halves in All Blacks history. He played for the team from 1984 to 1993 and was a key member of the team that won the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. Fox is known for his incredible accuracy with the boot, and his total of 645 test points was a world record at the time of his retirement.
Honorable Mentions
There are many other great All Blacks who could have easily made this list. Here are a few honorable mentions:
- Ian Kirkpatrick: Kirkpatrick was a legendary flanker who played for the All Blacks from 1967 to 1977. He was known for his physicality and leadership, and was a key member of the team that won the 1971 series against the British and Irish Lions.
- Andrew Mehrtens: Mehrtens is considered one of the greatest fly-halves in All Blacks history. He played for the team from 1995 to 2004 and scored a total of 967 test points.
- Conrad Smith: Smith is considered one of the greatest centres in All Blacks history. He played for the team from 2004 to 2015 and was a key member of the teams that won the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups.
- Beauden Barrett: Barrett is one of the current stars of the All Blacks team. He has played for the team since 2012 and has won two Rugby World Cups. Barrett is known for his incredible attacking flair and versatility, having played at fly-half, fullback, and wing.
Conclusion
The All Blacks have produced some of the greatest rugby players of all time, and this list is just a small sample of the talent that has worn the black jersey over the years. From Richie McCaw’s leadership and work rate to Dan Carter’s skill with the boot, these players have left an indelible mark on the sport of rugby union. Whether you are a die-hard All Blacks fan or a casual rugby fan, these players are sure to inspire awe and admiration for years to come.
FAQ
What is the history of the All Blacks? The All Blacks are the national rugby union team of New Zealand. The team was established in 1903 and has since become one of the most successful sports teams in history, with a winning percentage of over 77%.
Why are they called the All Blacks? The team is known as the All Blacks due to the color of their uniform, which is entirely black. The name was first used by a reporter who was covering the team’s 1905 tour of the United Kingdom.
What is the haka? The haka is a traditional Maori war dance that the All Blacks perform before each game. It is meant to intimidate their opponents and show their strength and unity as a team.
Who is the most capped All Black of all time? Richie McCaw holds the record for the most caps (appearances) for the All Blacks, with 148.
Who is the top points scorer for the All Blacks? Dan Carter is the top points scorer for the All Blacks, with 1,598 points in his career.
What is the All Blacks’ record in the Rugby World Cup? The All Blacks have won the Rugby World Cup three times, in 1987, 2011, and 2015. They have also finished as runners-up twice, in 1995 and 1999.
Who is considered the greatest All Black of all time? This is a matter of personal opinion, but some of the players who are often considered the greatest All Blacks include Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Jonah Lomu, and Colin Meads.
What is the significance of the silver fern? The silver fern is a symbol of New Zealand and is often associated with the All Blacks. It represents the country’s unique flora and fauna, as well as the spirit of the team and its fans.
What is the culture of the All Blacks like? The All Blacks are known for their strong team culture, which emphasizes respect, hard work, and humility. The team also places a strong emphasis on Maori culture and tradition, which is reflected in their pre-match haka and other aspects of their play.
How can I watch the All Blacks play? The All Blacks play in international test matches throughout the year, which are often broadcast on television and online streaming platforms. Check your local listings for information on upcoming matches.
