Greatest All Blacks XV (pro era) - Number 8

[Lizard]

Another tricky one. Zinzan Brooke was a real mould-breaker and his alround skills probably matched what Kieran Read shows, although Zinny would have had less licence to show them in test matches (drop goals aside!). Rodney So'oialo was an undroppable part of a great backrow but unfortunately suffered a sudden decline in form to end his career. Kieran Read is a former IRB Player of the Year and has demonstrated this year what a skilled player and able leader he is. I'm sure Taine Randel was a great bloke, too.

I'm voting for Zinzan. Just a great competitor and natural athlete who would have absolutely thrived in today's environment.

[Doorzetbornandbred]

No "Bring back Buck" option?

[Digby]

I think similar to Fitzy there's an argument that Brooke might contest the title of greatest, but just not in the pro era. So it's Read for me, and I might these days take Read over Zinny no matter the pro/amateur status

[Len]

Read for me. Zinny was a game changer but Read is the facelift model. Bloody close call but I think Reads leadership tips it.

[Spy]

Tough one. Went Read because I think he's actually more of a matchwinner than Zinny was, despite Zinzan's freakish array of skills. Close call.

[jngf]

Wayne Shelford - may not had the all round skill set of Brooke but twice as intimidating!

[jngf]

Wayne Shelford - may not had the all round skill set of Brooke but twice as intimidating!

Sorry, just realised this was reatricted to pro-era.