Richie McCaw is the country boy comfortable on the big stage. Photo / Getty Images
Richie McCaw is the country boy comfortable on the big stage. Photo / Getty Images
Eden Park tomorrow is likely the last time a group of All Black legends will pull on the famous jersey in NZ. How will they will be judged in the pantheon of rugby?
Richie McCaw
Debut v Ireland, 2001, Dublin 141 matches 135 starts 27 tries 135 points 124 wins, 14 defeats, 2 draws
Richie McCaw leads by example. Photo / Brett Phibbs
A three-time World Rugby Player of the Year, the man who led the All Blacks to their World Cup victory on a broken foot, a player on the verge of breaking the record interms of tests played, someone who turned down a knighthood because it wouldn't have been a good look while he was still playing - there is little more that can be said about McCaw and the impact he has made not only for the All Blacks but New Zealand as a whole. He is the country boy comfortable on the big stage, someone who delivers time and again for his team despite being a foul-play target for frustrated players not as skilful as he is. He is also modest and rarely puts a foot wrong in terms of his public profile. Now he just needs to lead the All Blacks to back-to-back World Cup victories. No pressure.
Tony Woodcock scores 'that try'. Photo / Brett Phibbs
From the beginning, the word was out that North Harbour had uncovered a can-do frontrower of world class ability who operated without fuss. Nothing has changed. Scrum forces are immense these days and to even survive so long is a feat in itself. Woodcock has mainly scrummed superbly and does a competent although not explosive job elsewhere. He made a lengthy run to score one of the most famous and important tries in All Blacks history, yet even there he has been overshadowed by Stephen Donald's World Cup final penalty.
- Chris Rattue
Keven Mealamu
Debut v Wales, 2002, Cardiff 125 matches 77 starts 12 tries 60 points 107 wins, 16 defeats, 2 draws
Keven Mealamu is an Eden Park icon. Photo / Greg Bowker
Generous and giving are all part of Keven Mealamu's spirit. He's loyal to the core and tough on himself when it comes to delivering for the All Blacks. He is an Eden Park icon, someone who should be remembered for his deeds on the famous ground with equal attachment as his predecessor Sean Fitzpatrick. It is a great contradiction that Mealamu, such a humble, gentle, God-fearing family man, can turn into a bucket of aggression on the field. "What I get to do is pretty special," he said. "Rugby is so enjoyable - it looks after my family and me. I love it."
Conrad Smith has been highly effective in a massively physical position for more than 10 seasons. Photo / Getty Images
In a world of power runners and line breakers, Conrad Smith has been refreshingly different. He's never relied on his size or presence yet has managed to be highly effective in a massively physical position for more than 10 seasons. He defends with the power and accuracy of a bigger man. He's made plenty of line breaks and has been a superb distributor. If Frank Bunce and Smith were in their prime, it would be a close run thing as to who would get the nod to play for the All Blacks.
- Gregor Paul
Ma'a Nonu
Debut v England, 2003, Wellington 96 matches 81 starts 27 tries 135 points 84 wins, 10 defeats, 2 draws
Ma'a Nonu - the best All Black second-five of all time? Photo / Greg Bowker
It took Ma'a Nonu the better part of four years to become a regular All Black. He was a touch wild and erratic in those early years, but he was prepared to work hard and fully commit to improving his game. That perseverance and determination indicated his depth of character and is a major reason why he is one of the great second-fives. Nonu is the king of the collision and while it's not pretty, it is hugely important. But he's way more than smash and bash. His passing is excellent - only Aaron Smith throws a better long ball. He's an astute decision-maker. For eight seasons he's been world class - a critical part of the All Blacks' armoury. The best All Black second-five of all time? Certainly close to it.
- Gregor Paul
Dan Carter
Dan Carter is the benchmark for all future New Zealand first-fives. Photo / NZME
Debut v Wales, 2003, Hamilton 105 matches 99 starts 29 tries 265 conversions 269 penalties 6 drop goals 1500 points 92 wins, 12 defeats, 1 draw
Without question, the best first-five world rugby has seen. Best because, in his prime certainly, he was a player without weakness. His running game used to be equally dynamic but while it hasn't been seen as much in recent years, Carter in the course of his career has unequivocally proven he's a once-in-a-generation player. He is an all-time great, the benchmark for all future New Zealand first-fives.
