They joined an illustrious group of players to achieve the feat alongside Sam Whitelock (153), Richie McCaw (148), Beauden Barrett (144), Kevin Mealamu (132), Kieran Read (127), Aaron Smith (125), Tony Woodcock (118), Daniel Carter (112), Brodie Retallick (109), Owen Franks (108), Sam Cane (104) and Ma’a Nonu (103).
A few more could join the group before the next World Cup with captain Scott Barrett (89) likely to be the next cab off the rank while his brother Jordie Barrett (78) will probably follow in 2027. There is also a case to be made for Damian McKenzie (74) because he’s contracted till the end of 2029; but with Richie Mo’unga’s return next year, his role could be affected.
Rieko Ioane and Anton Lienert-Brown (88) are both close, but after mixed campaigns in 2025 when they played seven and four times respectively, it’s hard to see where their futures sit next season.
But after that, it is anyone’s guess as to who else could potentially put their name among other All Blacks greats, due to the lack of experience in the team – meaning it could be years before it happens again.
Out of the active All Blacks, Ofa Tu’ungafasi (68), Patrick Tuipulotu (57) Mo’unga (56) and Will Jordan (53) are the only other players with more than 50 caps and the latter is realistically the only one who could possibly make it.
So who else could find themselves in the mix to join the club in later years? The Herald looks at six likely candidates.
Tupou Vaa’i
45 caps
Out of all the young guns in the All Blacks, the towering lock seems most likely to reach 100 caps, developing himself as one of the most consistent performers under Scott Robertson, being one of the first names on the team sheet.
Since Robertson took over, Vaa’i has featured in 20 of a possible 27 tests, and that number would have been more if not for an injury that ruled him out of the recent Northern Tour.
It’s taken him only five seasons to amass 45 tests. He has been shifted between lock and blindside numerous times during his career, but the second row appears to be his natural home and he seems set tp form a deadly partnership with Fabian Holland for years to come.
Contracted until the end of the 2027 season.
Tamaiti Williams
25 caps
The 25-year-old is considered one of the best loosehead props in the world and has the ability to play on the blindside too, making him a valuable asset to Robertson’s team.
He put pen to paper until the end of 2029, meaning he will be a mainstay for some massive years for the All Blacks that include the tour of South Africa, Rugby World Cup and British and Irish Lions series.
Wallace Sititi
18 caps
Another player who has featured heavily in the Robertson era, although trying to figure out his best position for the overall make-up of the loose forward trio remains a question.
Still has a couple of years left on his deal and would be shocked if he decided to head overseas to test himself when that expires.
Cam Roigard
17 caps
In two years, Roigard has established himself as the best halfback in New Zealand by a country mile, so will keep a grasp on the No 9 jersey for years to come.
It was noticeable in 2025 that when he wasn’t on the field, there was a significant drop in form from the All Blacks that highlights his importance to the team.
The only concern with the 25-year-old is his health because he’s endured some serious injuries over the years; but if he can stay fit, there is no doubt he could reach the same heights as Aaron Smith, if not surpass him.
Fabian Holland
11 caps
The Dutch-born star had an impressive introduction to the test arena where he demonstrated that he’s one of the All Blacks’ brightest long-term prospects in the second row.
The 23-year-old has time on his side and is locked in until the end of 2028.
He featured in every test bar two, and as above it seems Holland and Vaa’i are destined to become the new formidable locking combination for at least the next decade.
Dylan Pledger
Zero caps
This is a bold call to make, considering the 20-year-old has never been in the All Blacks camp, nor has he played a Super Rugby Pacific match.
But in his limited opportunities at NPC level, he’s already shown glimpses and signs that he’s more than capable of making the step up and being a mainstay in the side for years to come.
Time is on Pledger’s side and if he can take his form we’ve seen for Otago in the NPC and apply it to higher levels, he would likely become the second-choice halfback behind Cam Roigard. That would make him a certainty to feature in the All Blacks’ 23 each week.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the NZ Herald who covers breaking sports news.