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Don Bradman’s 1948 touring team became known as The Invincibles because they played 31 first-class fixtures without a single loss. Not counting the Hong Kong date against the Wallabies – an unfortunate fixture neither team needs at this point in time – the All Blacks play only four games on their spring tour.
But, in the opinion of many, the All Blacks will be so superior to the opposition that if they played each of those teams several times on this junket they’d still win every game by at least 15 to 20 points.
If you’re thinking that the “many” whose opinion this is are all Kiwis, you’re wrong. A whole raft of rugby scribes/fans/tragics in the major rugby countries, including Australia, subscribe to this view. And it’s not hard to see why.
Firstly, the All Blacks are on a juggernaut of a roll. Secondly, when they make substitutes, most of those subs will be very close to the level of the men they replace.
Thirdly, they want to lay down a marker in advance of the RWC. Fourthly, they have a coach the whole team, and most of the country, is now solidly behind.
And a fifth reason is this: they have a secret weapon in Sonny Bill Williams. An All Blacks jersey may be all he needs to cause havoc.
So will these All Blacks be the new Invincibles? What do Roarers think?
The All Blacks’ squad and schedule.
Forwards – John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Tom Donnelly, Hikawera Elliot, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Samuel Whitelock, Tony Woodcock.
Backs – Andy Ellis, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Alby Mathewson, Mils Muliaina, Ma’a Nonu, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Sonny Bill Williams.
October 30 v Australia, Hong Kong. November 6 v England, London. November 13 v Scotland, Edinburgh. November 20 v Ireland, Dublin. November 27 v Wales, Cardiff.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.