'Our Generation XV'
If you had the choice to select the greatest All Blacks side ever, who would make the cut?
Tough call, isn't it?
Well, we thought we'd pick who we think are the greatest All Blacks of our generation - the players we've grown up watching.
So - don't be surprised if you don't see names like Colin Meads, Brian Lochore or Sid Going. We know they were great players, but other than old footage - well, we've never seen them play.
So here's our 'Our Generation XV':
1. Olo Brown: This guy was like a rock, and from 1992-98 Brown set the benchmark for future All Black props - there was none tougher than this guy.
2. Sean Fitzpatrick: One of the greatest captains to ever play the game, he certainly made life difficult for referees. He added mobility around the field, and loved hanging out on the wings waiting to score in the corner. He played a record 92 Tests for the All Blacks - a record that still stands.
3. Craig Dowd: The third member in the front row trio. Together with Brown and Fitzpatrick, Dowd helped form one of the most formidable front rows in All Black history. Dowd played for the All Blacks from 1993-2000, before continuing his career in Europe.
4. Chris Jack: From 2001-07, Jack was among the first selected for the All Blacks - and it wasn't hard to see why. He was a great option in the lineout, and had amazing running skills for such a lanky guy. It was a real shame when he left at the end of last year...
5. Robin Brooke: An automatic choice at lock. Like Olo Brown, he set the benchmark throughout the 1990's. While not the flashiest player ever, he always, ALWAYS got the job done.
6. Jerry Collins: The human brick wall, Collins never took a backwards step, and became renowned as one of the hardest players ever to play the game. His defence was frightening, and it's no wonder opposition sides didn't want to run at him.
7. Richie McCaw: His work rate around the field is outstanding, as are his skills at the break down. Richie is always first to the ball, just like a good openside should be.
8. Zinzan Brooke: Definitely one of the most skillful forwards to ever play. There aren't too many forwards who can say they can dropkick as well as Zinny could...
9. Justin Marshall: While he didn't have the quickest pass in the world, you couldn't argue with his work rate or attacking abilities. From 1995-2005, Marshall stood alone as the number one halfback in the country. He played a record 81 Tests at halfback.
10. Andrew Mehrtens: A staggering 967 Test points, from one of the best first-fives in the game. Mehrtens read the game like no one else, and while his defence sometimes left something to be desired, his ability to direct his team mates makes him our first choice in the number ten jersey.
11. Jonah Lomu: Rugby's biggest superstar. There are none who come close to the passion Lomu had for playing in the black jersey - it meant the world to him. One of the All Blacks greatest attacking weapons, just ask Mike Catt how hard Lomu was to tackle.
12. Tana Umaga: Tana was one of those guys who inspired those around him, whether with his attacking abilities or his defence - which, incidentally, was like a rock.
13. Frank Bunce: Yet another tough guy who didn't take a backwards step. Bunce was an instrumental part of the All Blacks success in the mid 90's, and along with Walter Little formed one of the most lethal midfield combinations in rugby.
14. Jeff Wilson: One of our most gifted players ever. By the age of 19, he had already represented NZ in both rugby and cricket. He was lethal on attack, and could cover at fullback as well. Just don't mention 'that' tackle.
15. Christian Cullen: In our opinion, the greatest attacking player of all time. Cullen was a real joy to watch, carving up the opposition with what always seemed like ease. Cullen scored seven tries in his first two Tests, and his tally of 46 tries was a record until Doug Howlett surpassed it last year.
Reserves: Carl Hayman, Norm Maxwell, Anton Oliver, Michael Jones, Jimmy Cowan, Dan Carter, John Kirwan.
Not a bad side, really, is it?
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