RUGBY HEROES

The players who will win us another World Cup

ESSENTIAL ITEMS

1 BRODIE RETALLICK: Up there with the greats, like McCaw and Meads. Amazing range and engine, almost without fail. Absence made the heart grow a lot fonder. A lot fonder.

2 BEAUDEN BARRETT: Good enough to be voted the world’s best when not at his best.

3 SAM WHITELOCK: With Retallick, forms the best locking combo of all time. They complement each other perfectly. Standby captain?

4 AARON SMITH: Speed and efficiency at the heart of All Black plans.

5 JOE MOODY: Mobility to match the best. Top ABs prop.

6 BEN SMITH: Mr Perfect on his day, which is most days. Finds the extra gear.

7 SAM CANE: By default partly, but a muscular workhorse.

8 RIEKO IOANE: Better than eighth on this list, obviously, but the All Blacks do have other amazing options on the wing. They don’t have any with most of the players above.

ARE THESE BLOKES LOOKING A BIT RAGGED?

KIERAN READ: A true great, but the battle scars are showing a bit on the 32-yearold captain after a long haul.

2 DANE COLES: Smashing hooker dogged by injuries.

3 SONNY BILL WILLIAMS: Has magic moments but still an ageing ex-league forward who is blooper-prone.

IFONLY...

1 OWEN FRANKS was a bit more mobile. Still, a mighty cornerstone though, and remains ahead of Nepo Laulala.

2 PATRICK TUIPULOTU could play to his full potential. He would be a world beater.

3 TJ PERENARA could be more consistent as a top quality impact halfback.

PLAYERS WHO COULD LOSE THE CUP...

1 LUKE WHITELOCK: How did he ever start a major test at No 8?

2 LIMA SOPOAGA: Too ponderous on 2017 form in a key position. Time for some McKenzie energy and magic.

HAVE FAITH IN . . .

1 DAMIAN McKENZIE: A stunning footballer and