Zinzan Brooke snubs Carter and McCaw from his all-time XV

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at 23:12

byRugby Rucker

All Blacks legend Zinzan Brooke has revealed his ultimate XV – and it’s caused a stir. Despite being synonymous with New Zealand greatness, there's no room for Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Jonny Wilkinson, or Martin Johnson.

The 53-year-old, capped 58 times by the All Blacks and a key figure in Auckland’s golden era, has gone bold with his picks. His XV features eight Kiwis, three Frenchmen, two Australians, and one each from South Africa and Wales.

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Zinzan Brooke’s Greatest XV

15. Christian Cullen (New Zealand)

One of the most dangerous counter-attackers the game has ever seen. “The Paekākāriki Express” scored 46 tries in 58 tests and changed how fullback was played.

14. David Campese (Australia)

A maverick on the wing, famed for his goose-step and unpredictability. Campese was key to Australia’s 1991 World Cup win and remains one of the most exciting backs in history.

13. Phillipe Sella (France)

The first man to win 100 caps for France, Sella was a midfield rock with sublime hands, vision, and physicality. A cornerstone of ‘80s French flair.

12. Joe Stanley (New Zealand)

Hard-hitting and ice-cool under pressure, Stanley was a lynchpin of the All Blacks’ 1987 World Cup-winning side. A true defensive general in the centres.

11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

The game’s first global superstar. Lomu's World Cup ‘95 performances remain iconic – pure power, pace, and presence. Simply unstoppable at his peak.

10. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)

A modern-day magician. Back-to-back World Rugby Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017. Electric pace, killer instinct, and a tactical brain to match.

9. Gareth Edwards (Wales)

Often called the greatest ever. The heartbeat of the legendary 1970s Wales side, Edwards combined speed, strength, and vision like no other scrum-half.

1. Os du Randt (South Africa)

The cornerstone of two World Cup-winning Springbok sides (1995 & 2007). Immensely powerful, but mobile and skilful enough to thrive in any era.

2. Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)

The ultimate All Black leader. Fitzpatrick’s durability, work rate, and technical precision made him one of the most respected hookers in world rugby.

3. Pascal Ondarts (France)

Feared and revered in equal measure, Ondarts was a scrummaging monster and fearless ball-carrier. The Basque bruiser was central to France’s late-80s pack.

4. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)

Combines traditional lock grunt with unmatched athleticism and soft hands. A towering presence in the All Blacks’ second row for over a decade.

5. John Eales (Australia)

“Captain Fantastic” of the Wallabies. Eales was elegant, cerebral, and clutch – equally deadly in the line-out and off the tee. Rugby’s ultimate gentleman giant.

6. Michael Jones (New Zealand)

The “Iceman” redefined openside flanker play – fast, ferocious, and a try-scoring threat. Missed games for religious reasons but still a true great.

7. Jean-Pierre Rives (France)

The wild-haired warrior. Rives brought poetry and passion to the back row – inspirational and utterly fearless, he played like his life depended on it.

8. Kieran Read (New Zealand)

The complete No.8. Read was athletic, intelligent, and an exceptional leader. A key figure in New Zealand’s 2011 and 2015 World Cup triumphs.

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