2. Tana Umaga
Tana Umaga was a superb leader, world-class centre and one of the most respected captains in All Blacks history.
The reason he appears so high on this list is because some fans place him at the very top of New Zealand’s midfield hierarchy. While Umaga was exceptional, there is a strong argument that Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Frank Bunce and Bruce Robertson all have equally compelling, if not stronger, claims.
That says more about the incredible standard of All Blacks centres than it does about Umaga himself.
Quirky fact: Umaga famously switched from wing to centre midway through his international career and excelled in both positions.
1. Sam Cane
No player divides opinion among All Blacks supporters quite like Sam Cane.
Cane earned more than 100 Test caps, captained New Zealand and lifted multiple Rugby Championship titles. Yet throughout his career, many questioned whether he truly belonged among the elite openside flankers of the professional era.
Following Richie McCaw was always going to be an impossible task, but comparisons with McCaw and even contemporary star Ardie Savea often left Cane looking a level below despite his status within the team.
His achievements deserve respect, but few All Blacks have generated such a large gap between reputation and public perception.
Quirky fact: Cane became the youngest player to score a try on his All Blacks debut when he crossed against Fiji in 2012.
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