Combined England and All Blacks all-time XV

Ahead of the huge clash, here is an all-time combined XV from the two great rugby nations.

Known for his electric pace and dazzling footwork, Robinson starred for England after switching from rugby league. A 2003 World Cup winner and the first black man to captain his country, he earned 51 caps for England and 5 for the Lions. His blistering acceleration and side-step made him one of the most feared wingers and fullbacks of his era.

A phenomenon who changed rugby forever, Lomu became the sport’s first true global superstar. Towering at 6'5” and 125kg, yet astonishingly fast, he bulldozed defences and inspired millions. Debuting at just 19, he scored 37 tries in 63 Tests for New Zealand and remains a legend, later honoured the IRB Hall of Fame.

A calm and cerebral presence in the midfield, Smith was central to New Zealand’s backline dominance from 2004 to 2015. Captaining the Hurricanes and winning two World Cups, his intelligence and composure made him indispensable. After retiring from international duty in 2015, he closed out his career with French club Pau.

Renowned for his power and creativity, Nonu became one of rugby’s greatest centres. A two-time World Cup winner with the All Blacks in 2011 and 2015, he was equally capable at inside or outside centre. His longevity saw him set records in France’s Top 14, where he became both the oldest appearance maker and try scorer.

A star of New Zealand’s golden era, Kirwan’s blend of pace and finishing made him one of the most prolific wings in history. With 63 Tests and 35 tries, he helped the All Blacks lift the inaugural 1987 World Cup. Later, he switched codes, featuring for the Auckland Warriors in rugby league’s early years.

The hardest pick of the lot, as very little separates Carter and Jonny Wilkinson. Cool-headed and supremely skilled, Carter redefined the fly-half role. The game’s all-time leading points scorer, he guided New Zealand to World Cup glory in 2011 and 2015, earning three World Player of the Year awards. His calm control and precision kicking made him a key figure in multiple Crusaders titles and All Blacks dominance.

Sharp, vocal, and relentlessly fast at the breakdown, Smith became the heartbeat of the All Blacks’ attack. Amassing 124 caps before retiring in 2023, he left as New Zealand’s most-capped scrum-half and the Highlanders’ all-time appearance leader. His crisp service and tempo defined a generation of All Black rugby.

Nicknamed “The Fun Bus,” Leonard was the cornerstone of England’s front row for over a decade. With 114 caps, four Grand Slams, and a 2003 World Cup medal, he embodied durability and excellence. A Lions veteran and dual MBE/OBE honouree, he entered the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014.

Fiercely competitive and respected, Fitzpatrick captained New Zealand through a golden era. Earning 92 caps from 1986 to 1997, he led the All Blacks to their first World Cup triumph in 1987 and series victories home and abroad. A leader of immense grit, he remains one of rugby’s most iconic hookers.

Quietly brilliant, Brown anchored New Zealand’s scrum through the 1990s with unmatched technique and consistency. From 1992 to 1998, the prop missed only one Test in six years and was the first All Black prop to reach 50 caps. A title winner with the Blues, he balanced rugby excellence with a career in accountancy.

A towering leader both literally and figuratively, Johnson captained England to their 2003 World Cup triumph. A Leicester legend with over 360 club appearances, he also twice led the British & Irish Lions. Renowned for his authority and composure, he remains one of England’s most respected and successful captains.

Known simply as “Pinetree,” Meads embodied New Zealand rugby’s toughness and spirit. Playing 55 Tests from 1957 to 1971, his physicality and leadership made him a national hero. Voted New Zealand’s Player of the Century in 1999, he remains one of the sport’s most revered figures.

Often understated but utterly vital, Hill was the glue in England’s formidable back row. With 71 England caps and 5 for the Lions, he played a key role in the 2003 World Cup win. Relentless in defence and quietly effective in every facet, he was the ultimate team man.

A relentless competitor and master tactician, McCaw led the All Blacks to back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015. With 148 caps, he became rugby’s most-capped player and most successful captain. Three-time World Player of the Year, he defined professionalism and consistency, setting standards few will ever match.

Charismatic and fiercely driven, Dallaglio was the soul of England’s 2003 World Cup-winning side. A one-club man with Wasps, he earned 85 caps and captained his country with passion. One of the few to win both Sevens and XVs World Cups, he was later inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. Zinzan Brooke was very close to this one.