Wynne Gray: All Blacks team of the decade

Collins was an uncompromising workhorse throughout and for now, hangs on to the No 6 jersey. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Since the All Blacks and Graham Henry coincided, they have bowled along at a success rate which has peaked at 85.7 per cent.

It is extraordinary to consider that in seven seasons together, they have felt the pain of defeat just 13 times in 91 internationals. That record suggests Henry's crew would dominate an All Black team of the decade.

But if we chew through the performances of those who have worn the famous black jersey with distinction this past decade, starting in 2001, we might be surprised.

The current pack would dominate many of the selections and debate for that XV and, given their sparkling enterprise and triumphs, you would suspect most of the backs would also command serious attention.

But lest we forget, let's throw in a few names like Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, Jeff Wilson, Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga and so on.

Suddenly the very worthwhile claims of Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith and co are not quite as cast-iron as they might have seemed on the evidence of their contributions in Henry's campaigns.

But let's start with the grinders and concrete-mixers, the men whose work allows the ballet-dancers to perform their moves.

Kieran Read, Richie McCaw and Jerome Kaino have become an extraordinarily effective loose trio, individuals whose skills have dovetailed into a formidable mix.

There are no challengers to McCaw in the past decade, while Rodney So'oialo was a workaholic No 8 who made the most of his skills for a long time but did not have the size, power and direction of Read. You can throw Jerry Collins, Taine Randell and Reuben Thorne in against Kaino and the former captains all have solid claims.

Kaino has been strong for the past two seasons but Collins was an uncompromising workhorse throughout and for now, hangs on to the No 6 jersey.

We have not seen Ali Williams for several years but at his best, and there were several of those campaigns, he was sharper than Chris Jack or Norm Maxwell, while there has not been a grafting tighthead lock to match the remarkable Brad Thorn.

Up front various men were tried before Tony Woodcock put the selection clamp on at loosehead, while Carl Hayman was acknowledged as the best tighthead, ahead of Greg Somerville and Owen Franks.

Anton Oliver, Andrew Hore and Keven Mealamu have all been quality hookers though Oliver's lineout wobbles, Hore's injury troubles and Mealamu's remarkable longevity will sway the vote.

This All Black panel seem to be banking on Piri Weepu's injury return as a panacea next season but Justin Marshall, Byron Kelleher and perhaps Cowan would battle out this vote with Marshall taking the title and serving the incomparable Daniel Carter.

Out wider, the silky skills of Aaron Mauger would go up against the muscular inquiry of Ma'a Nonu, a player who has been terrific for the past few years, offering the gelignite in between the stiletto damage from Carter and Conrad Smith.

As much as Smith impresses he would not last in a vote against the brutal power and subtle touches of Tana Umaga.

Jonah Lomu was battling his health problems but was the most destructive force in world rugby, while on the right wing Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko or Cory Jane go into the mix as Wilson played only a few tests in this decade.

Fullback? Cullen was a sensational player but used in only six tests this decade as he was hindered by his knee issues, while Muliaina has been remarkable over 94 internationals.

Gray's picks

Our senior rugby writer's All Black team of the decade:

Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga, Ma'a Nonu, Jonah Lomu, Daniel Carter, Justin Marshall, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Jerry Collins, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.