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.
Nick_KIA
Guest
I've been no fan of his but form has been blistering since back from injury for Waikato and it's not surprising Henry has given him another shot as Cruden/Slade have yet to set world on fire. Suspect if Weepu was not injured they may have stuck with one of the young guys as Weepu could have covered as experienced guy if Carter were crocked.
Wiremu
Guest
Born in Orange my ..... Where do you come up with such ill informed tripe Ed Hilary was born 20 July 1919, Auckland, New Zealand
ohtani's jacket
Guest
It would have to be a pretty special tour to earn any sort of nickname. I can't see a touring side capturing the public's attention like they did in the past. Perhaps if it happened once every four years, but not with the All Blacks touring every year. The All Blacks thumped everyone on tour in 2006, but you'd be hard pressed to call it memorable. Having said that, if the All Blacks beat the Wallabies in Hong Kong then I guess there will be some attention paid to their world record bid.
allblackfan
Guest
Sometimes the best place to hide your secret weapon is in plain sight!!
allblackfan
Guest
For Orange, read Auckland!
allblackfan
Guest
whoops; my bad!:-)
hobart
Guest
mickh - good iea. But I doubt you'll get many responses. Too many chauvinists who only see rugby through green and gold glasses.
Moaman
Guest
1924 I think you will find.
mickh
Guest
Don't worry Hobart. The Kiwi's are better than us at everything and have done everything before we have even thought up the idea. We should really study New Zealand history at school to better understand and appreciate our close neighbour. I think a weekly meeting here on The Roar with a Q & A session on New Zealand culture, history and other matters will do no end of help in our two Country's relationship. Whaddayareckon???????????
Comet
Guest
Piri Weepu out = no half back.
Hobart
Guest
Jamesb - I wrote the post to celebrate a great rugby team. I'm an Aussie, but I couldn't write about our Wallabies being invincible because they're plainly not and won't be until everybody starts playing in the right positions. Shamus- read the post. I didn't claim that Bradman's was the first team from the antipodes to be call The Invincibles. I used the cricket reference because this forum is read and subscribed to by more Aussies than Kiwis, and Aussies know Bradman's Invincibles better than they know Porter's/Richardson's. And we didn't steal Ed Hilary from you even if he was officially born in Orange, NSW. If we were going to steal anything from you it would be Ma Nonu as our present 12 is an underperformer. Okay, mate?
Sylvester
Guest
Kahn Fotuali'i's case hasn't been helped by him playing a lot of 10 for HB, and also HB not going so great. Bit different to being behind the Crusaders juggernaut. That's no different to Weepu playing 10 for Welly, but he's yet to really establish himself at the top level so not playing halfback must be detrimental.
Jerry
Guest
For a secret weapon, Sonny Bill isn't very secret.
BlackWave
Guest
agreed.
Shamus
Guest
Your comment about the All Blacks becoming the New Invincibles is misinformed. The first team to be given that title were the All Blacks themselves. Not the Aussie cricket team. Typical Aussie, you steal everything from us even Ed Hillary. Get your facts straight. Sorry mate but Rugby's a hell of a lot more brutal than Cricket. The New Zealand rugby union team which toured the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Canada in 1924–25 was nicknamed ‘The Invincibles’ after it won all 32 of its games overseas. (The Aussies played 31) The tour included four test matches, one each against Ireland, England, Wales, and France. Overall the team scored 838 points and conceded only 116. I find your lack of knowledge about the All Blacks quite insulting to be fair.
Stash
Guest
A couple of tough games on the roster. Australia are desperate to get the monkey of their back and England would dearly love to keep it close in Twickenham. A bit tough on Rene Ranger and Victor Vito - both players that show a lot of promise for the next wave of all blacks. I can see the logic of Ice being picked over Ranger for his range and experience. Steven Donald - awful pick. That bloke had a thousand chances and just isn't cut out for the world stage. Unless he is able to stun us all with magnificent performances then surely he can't be the back-up for 2011 WC.
allblackfan
Guest
The 1929 All Blacks were the original Invincibles. Quite a few of these Invincibles teams around weren't there?
Jamesb
Guest
Well considering during Henry's reign they haven't lost a test match in the Northern Hemisphere (apart from RWC2007), yes my money would be on them being invincible. not sure why this article was written. How about - 'Will the Wallabies be the Invincibles'?
Brissie Kid
Guest
Also the 1982 Kangaroos were the Invincibles and influenced the development of both rugby codes.
Darwin Stubbie
Guest
More a sad reflection on the limited strength of international rugby if 5-0 is already being penciled in next to their end of year tour record ... they are definitely a good team, with strength in depth that are well coached - but the lack of competition is worrying ... on the squad selected nothing to radical - SBW was lock esp givn his performances over the last month or so ... but got to say I'm little disappointed in some selections .. good to see Gear make it - he's certainly deserving, but I'd have rested Carter completely and stuck with Cruden, and even considered doing the same for McCaw .... can't see why they've gone back to Ellis - once Weepu got injuryed I'd have had a decent look at Khan Fotualii - definitely an like for like replacement ....