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Opinion
The 2015 All Blacks were a magnificent squad who used the motivation of being the first team to go back-to-back in Rugby World Cups.
Many of the 2015 squad were in the 2011 side who beat France in a thriller at Eden Park for the final.
Just to show how good the 2015 side were, have a look at the reserves bench: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett and Sonny Bill Williams.
Impressive.
The 2015 All Blacks beat Australia 34-17 in the final in London, with skipper Richie McCaw and others retiring soon after.
But how would they go against their 1995 World Cup compatriots?
Glen Osborne vs Ben Smith
Smith was the perfect package, who could fulfill all aspects of a fullback’s role. Not spectacular in the Christian Cullen style, but dependable.
One to 2015.
Jonah Lomu vs Nehe Milner-Skudder
Milner-Skudder was named in the ‘dream team’, along with Ben Smith, Julian Savea and Dan Carter. He had a brilliant tournament and showed off his devastating sidestep.
But only one result is possible here.
One each.
Jeff Wilson vs Julian Savea
This is a tough one, both at their peak, who would you choose? Physically, Savea was imposing and ‘The Bus’ was on time in the 2015 tournament. Wilson was a more classy, skillful player.
I will go with Wilson, but I await your thoughts.
Frank Bunce vs Conrad Smith
Two valuable players who will be remembered in years to come. Smith retired at the end of the tournament and used his lawyer experience to function as a player’s advocate.
Smith by a head.
Walter Little vs Ma’a Nonu
Nonu was widely regarded as one of the players of the tournament in 2015 and would be a unanimous choice here.
Andrew Mehrtens vs Dan Carter
After overcoming a raft of injuries, Carter finally got to perform at the highest level in a World Cup. It has all been said before about DC.
(Photo by Richard Heathcote – World Rugby via Getty Images/World Rugby via Getty Images)
Graeme Bachop vs Aaron Smith
Smith.
Zinzan Brooke vs Kieran Read
Read was at the peak of his powers in 2015. Brooke is one of the All Black greats with a ruthless competitive streak and the skills of a back.
Read’s record is impeccable with longevity and leadership his prime features. Read by a whisker!
Score update: six-two to 2015.
Josh Kronfeld vs Richie McCaw
Seven-two the 2015s!
Mike Brewer vs Jerome Kaino
Kaino was, how do I put it? Uncompromising.
Ian Jones vs Brodie Retallick.
In a previous article Retallick was the winner here, so the same applies.
Robin Brooke vs Sam Whitelock
And same here, Whitelock wins.
Craig Dowd vs Owen Franks
The dark art of propping fails me. This is a close one! Franks amazingly did not score any points in international rugby according to the trusted internet.
Dowd by a short head.
Olo Brown vs Joe Moody
Brown pips Moody by the narrowest of margins.
Sean Fitzpatrick vs Dane Coles.
Coles at his peak was, to use a David Tua error, “give me an O for awesome” player. But Fitzy wins this.
There you have it, a ten-five win to the 2015 side.
A combined side with 1995 is Smith (Ben), Lomu, Wilson, Smith (Conrad), Nonu, Carter, Smith (Aaron, if you are named Smith, chances are good of making the All Blacks!), Read, McCaw, Kaino, Retallick, Whitelock, Dowd, Fitzpatrick and Brown.
Replace with Christian Cullen and Colin Meads and you have the perfect team!
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.