With the first Test one month away, the All Blacks have a challenging season ahead of them, with 14 Test matches including a home series against England, a single visit by Brian O’Driscoll’s men, a record four test matches against the Wallabies – and a Grand Slam tour to end the year.

The critical difference to 2008 versus the ill-fated preceding disaster year that was iced by a the earliest World Cup exit of a New Zealand team is that the starting XV has not been cocooned for months without proving themselves in the Super 14.  So considering that we have had three months to look at the crème of New Zealand players – who would make an ideal starting team?

Let’s look at the backs:

'Henry needs to review all of the All Blacks losses over the last four years'


15 - Fullback

Leon Macdonald

The Canterbury custodian has been in solid touch throughout the season, being safe, possessing a good kicking boot and bringing calm to a three quarter line. Mils Muliaina could alternate this position and brings the versatility of playing wing or centre if he is played as a bench player.

14 - Wing

Anthony Tuitavake

While he has played centre, he is not a specialist but his pace and scoring ability have earned him the right to receive a regular national berth. Deceptively strong, he can rotate into the midfield defensively to provide steel to the line.

13 – Outside Centre

Casey Laulau/Conrad Smith

Both men have been in equally good form, and after three consecutive World Cups the selectors must stop experimentation and appoint a specialist to the vexed position. Laulau offers more on attack and his confidence has been sublime, but Smith adds more as a distributing centre and is a bit more industrious. Both players are consistent and not error prone.

12 – Inside Centre

Ma’a Nonu

The late season revelation, it is no coincidence that the Hurricanes have become so more threatening with New Zealand’s most potent line breaker in the midfield. While his discipline can be found wanting, he offers so much on attack that he is compelling.  Stephen Brett could be considered but he does not offer the brutality of Nonu – but would bring a supportive kicking game to his fly half.

11 – Wing

Sitiveni Sivivatu

With Fetu Vanikolo being ineligible for New Zealand the incumbent will get the nod, despite patches of inconsistency.  At his best he is sublime and is the most innovative winger in NZ rugby. He must be more accurate with his link and passing play

10 – Flyhalf

The position of contention. Dan Carter, the incumbent, has been injured and has been so far noncommittal about his playing future. Nick Evans, the early season bolter, is now leaving New Zealand. Should these two players, despite being 1 and 2 in the pecking order, get the nod despite not being here beyond this season?  Or should they stay as they are the two best first five’s in New Zealand rugby.  I personally believe that Stephen Donald who will be in New Zealand next season should begin his development at international level and be selected.

9 – Scrumhalf

Piri Weepu

While at times seeming unperturbed – at his best he bring dimensions that no other halfback in New Zealand rugby can match.  He brings a competent kicking game but above all the x-factor and experience that the World Cup proved New Zealand requires in this position.

These men will officially not operate under Graham Henry as Wayne Smith is officially the backs coach of the National team. But while the All Blacks team does not have a glaring weakness as such, problems over the last four years have originated in the back division.

Primarily midfield channel defence, outside centre selection, and when to play percentage rugby and when to run back at a team in their own half.  These tactical decisions are influenced by your halves axis, and at times, their decision making has been poor

Quite simply, Henry needs to review all of the All Blacks losses over the last four years, and note the consistent patterns that originate from their sometimes average backline play.  This originated in 2004 when a flat backline attack was implemented, and was paramount in their two losses in 2007 where makeshift number 13’s were exposed defensively.  If this is addressed, the Blacks will come back as a world power.