When Sean Fitzpatrick picks his all-time All Blacks XV, it’s more than a list — it’s the verdict of a man who’s shared the field with, and battled against, rugby’s greatest.
His all-time team, selected for Sky Sports, is a blend of generational legends, world champions, and transformational athletes who shaped the identity of the black jersey itself.
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Below is Fitzpatrick’s all-time All Blacks XV — and why each player earned their spot.
ALL-TIME ALL BLACKS XV
BACK THREE
Christian Cullen – Fullback (15)
Christian Cullen, known as “The Paekakariki Express,” is 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.
With 46 tries in 58 Tests, he remains one of the All Blacks’ most prolific scorers. His counterattacking threat changed how teams defended from the backfield and cemented him as a global superstar.
Ben Smith – Right Wing (14)
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 — 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.
Jonah Lomu – Left Wing (11)
Jonah Lomu didn’t just play rugby — he changed it forever. At 6’5″ and 120kg with sprinter’s pace, Lomu was rugby’s 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: “A force of nature.”
MIDFIELD
Conrad Smith – Outside Centre (13)
Conrad Smith’s 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’s greatest-ever midfield partnerships and was central to the game control that defined New Zealand’s golden era between 2010 and 2015.
Ma’a Nonu – Inside Centre (12)
Ma’a 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’s partnership with Conrad Smith defined All Blacks attacking structure for years.
HALVES
Dan Carter – Fly-half (10)
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.
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.
Aaron Smith – Scrum-half (9)
Aaron Smith revolutionized the pace of the modern All Blacks attack. His pass — fast, flat and accurate — accelerated the tempo of New Zealand’s entire game plan. Beyond his distribution, Smith’s 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.
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