How do AB teams compare?
New Zealand rugby fans will always be grateful to the All Blacks team of 2015. Not only did the team that beat the Wallabies 34-17 in the World Cup final in London retain the Webb Ellis Cup, it also ensured captain Richie McCaw retired a winner.
McCaw, arguably one of the greatest players the game has seen, deserved that. It was a glorious sendoff.
Now for the next job. Can this team emulate the deeds of the class of ‘15 in Japan? We will find out soon enough.
Here’s a comparison of the two teams, starting with the one that did the business at Twickenham four years ago.
2015 RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL STARTING XV
(Ratings out of 10)
15 Ben Smith
Forget about his yellow card for a lift tackle on the Wallabies’ Drew Mitchell in the final. Smith was a slick operator at the back for the ABs in Britain. Experienced, quick and calm under the high ball. The Smith model of 2015 was close to the perfect package. Rating: 8
14 Nehe Milner-Skudder
Milner-Skudder had a terrific tournament in Britain. His ability to zip past tacklers with nifty footwork and speed were an asset. A shoulder problem has ruined his chances of going to Japan for another tournament. Rating: 7
13 Conrad Smith
Wasn’t thrilled to be replaced by Sonny Bill Williams at halftime in the final at Twickenham, and you couldn’t blame him for wanting to remain centre stage. It wasn’t the way Smith wanted to end his test career. Never mind, he jammed plenty into it. Provided experience and leadership. Rating: 7
12 Ma’a Nonu
Undoubtedly the All Blacks’ best player of the tournament. He was in magnificent form. Rating: 8.5
11 Julian Savea
Watching Savea tear through the French defence in the quarterfinal in Cardiff was like watching a super tanker plough through a flock of seagulls. It was the Bus at his best. You can bet opposition defence coaches always mentioned Savea’s name in the pre-game briefings. Rating: 7
10 Dan Carter
Topped off a remarkable career by finally particIpating in a World Cup final. He saved his best for last, even kicking a conversion with his ‘‘wrong’’ (right) foot. Rating: 8
9 Aaron Smith
His place as the top halfback in the team was never in doubt. His swift pass remained a key asset. Rating: 7
8 Kieran Read
Displayed his bravery in the final by overcoming the pain of a sprained ankle in the early minutes of the final. Was near his peak in 2015. Rating: 7.5
7 Richie McCaw (capt)
It’s all been said before. The king of the opensides. Retired having done it all. Rating: 8
6 Jerome Kaino
Was typically uncompromising. Set the tone in the quarterfinal against France by crunching Yoann Maestri in a tackle. There was more to follow in the semi and final. Rating: 7
5 Sam Whitelock
Didn’t leave fuel in the tank – as you would expect. He played the full 80 minutes in the final and would still be jogging around Twickenham if asked to do so. Rating: 7
4 Brodie Retallick
The equal of Whitelock in all departments. One of the greats.
Rating: 7.5
3 Owen Franks
Like a weather-worn gargoyle on a stone castle, never flinched. His axing from the 2019 tournament squad remains contentious. Rating: 7
2 Dane Coles
Was one of the best hookers at tournament. His all-round game provided multiple threats. Rating: 7.5
1 Joe Moody
A late call-up following the injuries to Tony Woodcock and Wyatt Crockett. Did pretty well, too. His one-handed pass against France in the quarterfinal was memorable. Rating: 7 TOTAL SCORE: 111
15 Beauden Barrett
Has embraced the shift from No 10. His acceleration and ability to read the game has, so far, enabled the All Blacks to profit. Rating: 7
14 Sevu Reece
Electric on attack. An instinctive ball carrier, he can use his speed to slice through gaps or around flat-footed tacklers. Rating: 8
13 Jack Goodhue
Usually a sharp defender, and selfless in terms of putting his outsides into space. Rating: 7
12 Sonny Bill Williams
Experience is key, as is his attitude and physical presence. Question marks will always hang over his aging body. Rating: 6
11 George Bridge
Big plus is his confidence, and wants to hunt for work. Rating: 7
10 Richie Mo’unga
Brave, not afraid to stand flat on attack. Accurate goalkicker. Still relatively inexperienced in tests, but doesn’t lack confidence. Rating: 7
9 Aaron Smith
Been around since 2012. Battle hardened. Rating: 7
8 Kieran Read (capt)
Preparing for his third World Cup. His form has been improving since the start of the Super Rugby playoffs. Can still perform when it matters. Don’t underestimate his leadership skills. Rating: 7.5
7 Sam Cane
Delayed return due to serious neck injury has been a good thing. Looks fresh and now considered a veteran. Rating: 7
6 Ardie Savea
His high-energy game couldn’t be ignored by the selectors. Shifting him away from his regular No 7 spot isn’t without risk. Rating: 7
5 Sam Whitelock
The rock of the tight five. In addition to being a lineout ace, provides leadership. Rating: 7
4 Patrick Tuipulotu
Sealed his spot in the RWC squad with his effort against the Aussies at Eden Park. Appears to have sorted out the right dietary needs to fuel his big engine: Rating: 6
3 Nepo Laulala
The omission for Owen Franks caps off memorable comeback after horror knee injury a few years back. Rating: 6
2 Dane Coles
Like a ball-carrying loosie if he gets this part of his game going. Another who has bounced back from numerous injury setbacks. Discipline can be a worry: Rating: 5
1 Joe Moody
A sound technician on the loosehead side of the scrum. Should be able to cope with the pace the All Blacks want to play at pace. Rating: 6.5
TOTAL SCORE: 101