Dan Carter, Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, and John Kirwan. Photos / Getty Images, Photosport
Dan Carter, Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, and John Kirwan. Photos / Getty Images, Photosport
Since New Zealand's first official rugby international (against Australia in Sydney in August 1903), the coveted black jersey and tries have become practically synonymous. And there've been a few. In fact, when Waisake Naholo dotted down in the 78th minute of the All Blacks' crushing 66-3 victory over Italy inthe Stadio Olimpico in Rome in November last year, it was the 2088th try scored by an All Black in a test. Some have been far more memorable than others, though, and - as Chris Rattue reports - these 15 efforts stand head and shoulders above the rest for their individual brilliance.
15. Beauden Barrett v Australia, Rugby Championship, Auckland 2018
All Black Beauden Barrett scores against the Wallabies at Eden Park in 2018. Photo / Photosport
Barrett has done so many amazing things that it becomes easy to see the extraordinary as ordinary.
His remarkable speed is a devastating weapon, as was the case in this classic during his four-try demolition of the Australians.
A dummy encourages Wallaby forward Rob Simmons not to work hard as an inside defender, Barrett takes the gap on halfway, makes Will Genia look like a plodder, and flies away from wing Jack Maddocks' attempt at a cover tackle.
14. Frank Bunce v South Africa, Tri Nations, Johannesburg 1997
Frank Bunch in action against the Springboks in 1997. Photo / Allsport
Bunce flew on to a Carlos Spencer pass 55 metres from the line and went on a glorious angled run to the line which stunned the Springbok defenders.
At 35, he was the All Blacks oldest-ever back, and his blinder of a test came after calls for his axing. The second of Bunce's tries in this game, while involving a shorter run, was probably just as good.
13. Peter Jones v South Africa, fourth test, Auckland 1956
Peter Jones scores the famous match-winner against the Springboks in 1956. Photo / Herald Archives
There is no more important try in All Black history, sending the Springboks to their first series defeat. It also helped atone for the All Blacks' humiliating 1949 series loss in South Africa.
The atmosphere around this tour and the final test was not good. There had been some vicious exchanges.
An exhausted Jones' controversial declaration to the Eden Park and radio audience after the game, that he was "buggered", provided rare levity.
And his try left a golden glow. The lineout tail gunner, a terrific athlete, had picked up a loose ball about 35 metres from the line. He then charged ahead for the try with no defender getting near him.
"Could it be said that the result of the game and the tests series win over our fiercest rivals was a glorious day for New Zealand nationhood?" the great sports commentator Keith Quinn once asked.
"Maybe it was, as rugby was definitely 'King' in those days."
12. Julian Savea v France, World Cup quarter-final, Cardiff 2015
