Graham Henry's men marching to greatness

In time – perhaps in a decade or so – the current All Blacks team may be judged as the greatest ever.

Against the Wallabies last night they not only equalled the level they achieved in the recent two tests against South Africa, they went even further.

It was an outstanding demonstration of how rugby should be played in the modern era, with the right mix of physicality, pace, width and agility.

And right now there isn't a side in the world that can match them.

It has taken a while for the All Blacks to reach this point – seven years of experimentation and toil by their coaches, in fact.

But it's paid off and they're now in a world of their own.

There's a saying in sport that you're only as good as your worst player, and right now it's impossible to find a weak link.

From No1 one to 15, there's a world-class player in a black jersey and invariably they're in the form of their lives.

The backbone of this All Blacks team is essentially the class of 2003, when players like Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Mils Muliaina and Josevata Rokocoko staked their claim on the world stage.

The World Cup that year was too early for them and coaching blunders hindered the team four years later.

But at the World Cup next year the timing will be perfect for them to deliver.

Rugby fans may worry that once again this is the All Blacks peaking too early and that by the time the cup comes around everyone else would have caught up while New Zealand chokes.

But it's hard to imagine that happening.

There is too much experience in the All Blacks for them to be overwhelmed by anything.

Over the past year they have won bragging rights over all the World Cup contenders.

The only test left for them is to win in South Africa – and with the mess the Springboks are in right now victory in Johannesburg in three weeks is almost inevitable.

Some, including Boks coach Peter de Villiers, suggest the reason for the All Blacks' success is that they're being judged favourably by referees.

In the six tests the All Black have played this year they have been punished with two yellow cards, while their opposition have got one red and six yellow.

Obviously, that numerical advantage has benefited the All Blacks.

But rather than this being judged as something that's been fortunate for them, it should be something that New Zealand should be con- gratulated for.

They have adapted their game to the new law interpretations and have moulded their game around how strict or lenient referees are.

The players aren't getting into situations where they cost the team numerical disadvantages.

They play to the letter of the law and no further.

So while we're all living in the moment and celebrating last night's exciting win over the Wallabies in Melbourne, it's worth reflecting on just how special this All Blacks team actually is.

- © Fairfax NZ News