When Sean Fitzpatrick picks his all-time All Blacks XV, it\u2019s more than a list \u2014 it\u2019s the verdict of a man who\u2019s shared the field with, and battled against, rugby\u2019s greatest.<\/p>\n
His all-time team, selected for Sky Sports<\/a>, is a blend of generational legends, world champions, and transformational athletes who shaped the identity of the black jersey itself.<\/p>\n Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n Below is Fitzpatrick\u2019s all-time All Blacks XV \u2014 and why each player earned their spot.<\/p>\n ALL-TIME ALL BLACKS XV<\/p>\n BACK THREE<\/p>\n Christian Cullen \u2013 Fullback (15)<\/p>\n Christian Cullen, known as\u00a0\u201cThe Paekakariki Express,\u201d\u00a0is widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted attacking fullbacks in rugby history. Debuting in 1996, Cullen stunned the world with fearless running, otherworldly acceleration, and the ability to turn broken play into instant points.<\/p>\n With 46 tries in 58 Tests, he remains one of the All Blacks\u2019 most prolific scorers. His counterattacking threat changed how teams defended from the backfield and cemented him as a global superstar.<\/p>\n Ben Smith \u2013 Right Wing (14)<\/p>\n Ben Smith was one of the most reliable and intelligent outside backs of the modern era. Renowned for his aerial ability, positional brilliance, and unflappable calm, Smith excelled at wing, fullback, and centre \u2014 but Fitzpatrick places him at 14 to complete an impeccable back three. His decision-making and defensive reading made him invaluable in high-pressure Test matches, especially during the 2015 World Cup triumph.<\/p>\n Jonah Lomu \u2013 Left Wing (11)<\/p>\n Jonah Lomu didn\u2019t just play rugby \u2014 he changed it forever. At 6\u20195\u2033 and 120kg with sprinter\u2019s pace, Lomu was rugby\u2019s first true global icon. His 1995 Rugby World Cup performances remain the stuff of legend, most famously his semi-final dominance over England. Lomu scored 37 tries in 63 Tests and became the prototype for the modern power wing. Fitzpatrick describes him simply:\u00a0\u201cA force of nature.\u201d<\/p>\n MIDFIELD<\/p>\n Conrad Smith \u2013 Outside Centre (13)<\/p>\n Conrad Smith\u2019s game was built not on flash, but on brilliance disguised as simplicity. His defensive organisation, subtle running lines, and distribution made him the perfect link-man in the All Blacks backline for over a decade. Smith formed one of rugby\u2019s greatest-ever midfield partnerships and was central to the game control that defined New Zealand\u2019s golden era between 2010 and 2015.<\/p>\n Ma\u2019a Nonu \u2013 Inside Centre (12)<\/p>\n Ma\u2019a Nonu evolved from an explosive power-runner into one of the most complete centres in world rugby. Known early for his directness and physicality, he later developed elite passing, tactical kicking, and defensive leadership. With over 100 Test caps and two World Cup titles, Nonu\u2019s partnership with Conrad Smith defined All Blacks attacking structure for years.<\/p>\n HALVES<\/p>\n Dan Carter \u2013 Fly-half (10)<\/p>\n Dan Carter is widely considered the most complete No. 10 the sport has ever seen. He combined impeccable kicking, flawless game management, explosive running, and defensive strength. <\/p>\n His 2005 performance against the British & Irish Lions remains one of the greatest by any fly-half. A two-time World Cup winner and three-time World Player of the Year, Carter is the standard by which fly-halves are measured.<\/p>\n Aaron Smith \u2013 Scrum-half (9)<\/p>\n Aaron Smith revolutionized the pace of the modern All Blacks attack. His pass \u2014 fast, flat and accurate \u2014 accelerated the tempo of New Zealand\u2019s entire game plan. Beyond his distribution, Smith\u2019s decision-making, support lines, and tactical awareness have kept him at the top of world rugby for over a decade. His service made the Carter-led attack almost impossible to contain.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n