It cannot be argued that in the scrum, ruck and tackle area, no team in world rugby over recent years has been as impressive or as dominant as the All Blacks. They have outplayed all nations at these arts for at least four years.

Led by Richie McCaw, the  finest openside flanker in the world (and in history if he can win a World Cup), New Zealand are blessed with considerable talent in the forwards. Unlike their dainty backline friends, rotation does not seem to weaken the eight.

While some still consider the New Zealand lineout to be a targetable weakness, they have abundant talent and skill in their locks.  If anything, it is the open-play strength of their No.4 and No.5 that takes away some of their ability in the set piece.

'Two years ago Richie McCaw swept the IRB and World Player of the Year as the best player on the planet – he looks in such form again'


With international depth in all positions, the fearsome pack would consist of the following players - with at least half of them instant nominees for a world XV.

8 – Rodney So’oialo (No.8): The All Black incumbent, and hardest working forward in New Zealand rugby. Still with his critics, his leadership of the Hurricanes counts in his favour, and he is a ferocious defender, with a good tactical feel of the game. He seems to be developing in his nous of the game, confidently questioning officials on the field in recent games. The fastest and fittest of all New Zealand number eights, he is still young, and is getting better with age.

7 - Richie McCaw (openside flanker): Still the first automatic selection of the team. McCaw has started 2008 in imperious form, putting his body on the line and affecting the tackle area unlike no other man on the planet. He is far stronger than he looks, a great link player and support man.  He will slow the ruck down as legally as can be done, and will guarantee at least two turnovers every game. Two years ago he swept the IRB and World Player of the Year as the best player on the planet – he looks in such form again.

6 – Jerry Collins (blindside flanker): The world’s premier blindside. Collins has consistent and genuine reputation to back him up as the most intimidating player most men have ever faced.  He has developed – including captaining the team – but it is his defence, work ethic and ability with ball in hand that makes him such a deadly player.  On form he is arguably the most damaging player in world rugby.

5 -Ali Williams (lock):Now the All Blacks first-choice lock. Williams has toned down his slightly imperious nature, and his jumping skills are only surpassed by his ability in the loose.  A genuine ball runner, he is maturing into a strong pack leader and will be needed in the team for his experience.

4 - Jason Eaton (lock):Cruelly robbed of a World Cup berth by injury, Eaton will come of age in 2008.  An old school player in the mould of the great All Black locks, he is rangy, but seems to do no wrong on the rugby paddock – and seems to be in all places at one time.  A strong lineout option, Eaton is a pillar in defence and is destined if fit to become a permanent fixture in this great team.  His ability as an international jumping option will see him win the position ahead of Troy Flavell.

3 - Neemia Tialata (prop): His attitude was epitomised when he re-signed with the NZRU last year commenting: “It’s my goal to be a first-choice All Black prop”.  A hard working behemoth, the near 130kg Tialata has the ability to scrum on both sides, and has worked hard under the tutelage of Mike Cron, the All Blacks scrummaging doctor. A menace with ball in hand, Tialata is unmovable at the set piece and cannot be wheeled by his opposition. 

2 – Keven Mealamu (hooker): The world’s most unique and outstanding player in this position; a terror on defence and a menace in the loose. Mealamu is a strong scrummager and solid with his lineout options. But it is his ability in the tight defence and with ball in hand that makes him irreplaceable in the All Black line up.

1 - Tony Woodcock (prop): The All Black incumbent for this position.  Has developed into one of the world’s best scrummaging props and causes countless problems for his opposition props.  Solid in defence with a high workrate, Woodcock's ability will now be more obvious with the international retirement of Carl Hayman. Still young, Woodcock will ensure the All Black pack will continue to be anchored very well.

 Reserves: Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Troy Flavell, Sione Lauki, Jerome Kaino.