World Rugby reveal fans’ five favourite All Blacks
After Sean Fitzpatrick revealed his five favourite All Blacks of all time last week for World Rugby, the public have voted for theirs in response.
The former All Blacks captain selected four players he played alongside, Michael Jones, John Kirwan, Grant Fox and Zinzan Brooke, as well as one player who played more recently, Dan Carter. Not one of these makes the public’s top five, however, as Ugo Monye revealed this week on World Rugby’s YouTube channel.
“Number one, Richie McCaw,” the former England winger said. “Not many players ever get to go back to back in World Cups and that’s what this legend did.
“Ma’a Nonu. Weighs over 110kgs, he’s harder to tackle than a bowling ball, that guy, that combination with Conrad Smith was just incredible.
“Number three, Jonah Lomu. Rugby’s first ever superstar. My idol growing up, incredible player, there’s never been anyone like him since. I’m not sure you could ever replicate the type of man and impact that he had on our game.
“Number four, Aaron Smith. Probably one of the best passers of the ball out there. A complete No9 and a No9 that I think lots of young kids today model themselves on.
“Number five, Christian Cullen. When he got the ball in his hands he was able to glide and slalom through defenders, a true joy to watch.”
