Rugby: All Black-Wallaby leans towards NZ

Former All Black and Wallaby Des Connor. Photo / Getty Images

The All Blacks are not chokers and look good enough to make the finals of the Rugby World Cup, said former Wallaby and All Black Des Connor.

"They're cheap shots. I don't think the All Blacks are chokers whatsoever. I've never known an All Black side that isn't ready to commit themselves 100 per cent," Connor said.

Connor is one of only a handful of players to represent the All Blacks and the Wallabies.

He played 13 matches for Australia between 1957 and `59 before crossing the Tasman and pulling on the black jersey to play 15 matches for the All Blacks between 1961 and `64.

Connor, nicknamed the Wallaby, said he supports the Wallabies and the All Blacks and it's more about the rugby than who wins on the day.

"I don't lean one way or the other but having played for both sides, I'm always interested in how they perform," Connor said.

Connor said the All Blacks deserve their status as World Cup favourites and have got what it takes to bring home the Web Ellis trophy.

He said the branding of the All Blacks as chokers in the media by former Wallaby coaches and players is a new thing.

"There's far more media coverage and in-depth coverage of the game than there was when we were playing. It's a different atmosphere and the media have got to report these stories to keep people up to date with what is going on," Connor said.

But the former half back said the label is not deserved and he's excited about the prospects of Brendon Leonard.

"He looks like me so he's got to be a good player. I've only seen him briefly but he looks to have potential. Whether he ousts Kelleher or not, I don't know," Connor said.

His other favourite team to watch - the Wallabies - are looking sharp too.

He said George Gregan has found form recently and his performances seem to lift the Wallabies.

"And Australian's second stringer, Cordingley, he's a good type of player. So George is not guaranteed of a spot in the side either," Connor said.

He said while Gregan's experience might get him a spot, the Wallabies' backline is full of good rugby brains like Larkham and the "wild card" Latham.

"Larkham is the key to the Australian performance. He's come back and started to find some good form," Connor said.