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Top rugby players of past 25 years: Four All Blacks dominate experts' list
Four All Black greats have featured heavily in a South African magazine’s list of the greatest test rugby players of the past 25 years.
Respected rugby publication SA Rugby Mag released the lists of starting XVs and bench selections from five of its pundits, all of whom picked All Black greats Christian Cullen, Dan Carter, Kieran Read and Richie McCaw in their teams.
The Kiwi foursome were the only players in the world to make all five teams – the next best being former Springbok Victor Matfield who was picked four times.
The SA Rugby Mag pundits – who included Jon Cardinelli, Craig Lewis, Wade Pretorius, Mariette Adams and Dylan Jackson – had universal praise for the four All Blacks.
Lewis called Cullen “one of the most devastating fullbacks the game has ever had”, Cardelli labelled Carter “the quintessential all-round threat”, Adams said Read was “the dynamic master of all trades in world rugby” and Pretorious praised McCaw as “one of the all-time greats and a superstar of the sport choosing any metric”.
Lewis and Pretorious selected nine All Blacks in their starting lineups, Cardellli and Adams went for seven, and Jack picked six.
Former All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick made hooker in three of the teams. Pretorius even went for an all-New Zealand front row of Owen Franks, Fitzpatrick and Tony Woodcock.
Other All Blacks to feature prominently were Jonah Lomu and Ma’a Nonu, who made three teams, and Conrad Smith who was picked twice.
Jon Cardinelli’s list:
15 Christian Cullen (New Zealand), 14 Bryan Habana (South Africa), 13 Conrad Smith (New Zealand), 12 Tim Horan (Australia), 11 Jonah Lomu (New Zealand), 10 Dan Carter (New Zealand), 9 Fourie du Preez (South Africa), 8 Kieran Read (New Zealand), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa), 6 Richie McCaw (New Zealand), 5 Victor Matfield (South Africa), 4 Martin Johnson (England), 3 Owen Franks (New Zealand), 2 Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa), 1 Beast Mtawarira (South Africa).
Subs: 16 Keven Mealamu (New Zealand), 17 Os du Randt (South Africa), 18 Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy), 19 Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), 20 Thierry Dusautoir (France), 21 George Gregan (Australia), 22 Jonny Wilkinson (England), 23 Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Craig Lewis’ list:
15 Christian Cullen (New Zealand), 14 Jeff Wilson (New Zealand), 13 Jaque Fourie (South Africa), 12 Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), 11 Jonah Lomu (New Zealand), 10 Dan Carter (New Zealand), 9 Fourie du Preez (South Africa), 8 Kieran Read (New Zealand), 7 Thierry Dusautoir (France), 6 Richie McCaw (New Zealand), 5 Victor Matfield (South Africa), 4 Brodie Retallick (New Zealand), 3 Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy), 2 Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand), 1 Beast Mtawarira (South Africa).
Subs: 16 Keith Wood (Ireland), 17 Tony Woodcock (New Zealand), Owen Franks (New Zealand), 19 John Eales (Australia), 20 Schalk Burger (South Africa), 21 George Gregan (Australia), 22 Stephen Larkham (Australia), 23 Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa).
Wade Pretorius’ list:
15 Christian Cullen (New Zealand), 14 Jason Robinson (England), 13 Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland), 12 Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), 11 Jonah Lomu (New Zealand), 10 Dan Carter (New Zealand), 9 George Gregan (Australia), 8 Kieran Read (New Zealand), 7 Thierry Dusautoir (France), 6 Richie McCaw (New Zealand), 5 John Eales (Australia), 4 Martin Johnson (England), 3 Tony Woodcock (New Zealand), 2 Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand), 1 Owen Franks (New Zealand).
Subs: 16 Keith Wood (Ireland), 17 Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy), 18 Gethin Jenkins (Wales), 19 Paul O’Connell (Ireland), 20 George Smith (Australia), 21 Justin Marshall (New Zealand), 22 Jonny Wilkinson (England), 23 David Campese (Australia)
Mariette Adams’ list:
15 Christian Cullen (New Zealand), 14 David Campese (Australia), 13 Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland), 12 Tim Horan (Australia), 11 Jonah Lomu (New Zealand), 10 Dan Carter (New Zealand), 9 George Gregan (Australia), 8 Kieran Read (New Zealand), 7 Richie McCaw (New Zealand), 6 Jerry Collins (New Zealand), 5 Victor Matfield (South Africa), 4 John Eales (Australia), 3 Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy), 2 Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand), 1 Os du Randt (South Africa).
Subs: 16 Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa), 17 Beast Mtawarira (South Africa), 18 Owen Franks (New Zealand), 19 Brodie Retallick (New Zealand), 20 Thierry Dusautoir (France), 21 Fourie du Preez (South Africa), 22 Stephen Larkham (Australia), 23 Ben Smith (New Zealand)
Dylan Jack’s list:
15 Christian Cullen (New Zealand), 14 Shane Williams (Wales), 13 Conrad Smith (New Zealand), 12 Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), 11 Bryan Habana (South Africa), 10 Dan Carter (New Zealand), 9 Fourie du Preez (South Africa), 8 Kieran Read (New Zealand), 7 Thierry Dusautoir (France), 6 Richie McCaw (New Zealand), 5 Victor Matfield (South Africa), 4 John Eales (Australia), 3 Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy), 2 Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa), 1 Beast Mtawarira (South Africa).
Subs: 16 John Smit (South Africa), 17 Marcos Ayerza (Argentina), 18 Phil Vickery (England), 19 Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), 20 Danie Rossouw (South Africa), 21 George Gregan (Australia), 22 Jonny Wilkinson (England), 23 Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished with permission.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Oh wow… “But as La Rochelle proved in winning in Cape Town this season, a cross-continental away assignment need not spell the end of days.” La Rochelle actually proved quite the opposite. After traveling to Cape town and back they (back-to-back and current champs) got mercilessly thumped the next week. If travel is not the reason, why else would a full-strength powerhouse like La Rochelle get dumped on the @r$e$ one week later?
26 Go to commentsYou know he can land a winning conversion after the full time siren is up. (Even if it takes two attempts.)
5 Go to commentsA very insightful article from Jake. I would love to know how South African’s feel about their move to Europe. Do you prefer playing in Europe or want to go back to Super Rugby?
2 Go to commentspure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
2 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
26 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
26 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to comments