We are lucky in NZ to get flooded with class rugby talent. It got me thinking though, we have definitely had some quality batlers don the precious black jersey. I have kept this to the modern era.

Below is my worst AB’s 15 of the modern Era.

Prop – Jamie Macintosh – 1 Test (2008)

Nicknamed ‘Whopper’, the Southland Stag looked like Bambi on his debut against Scotland. So much promise coming out of the deep south, but couldn’t even handle the Scottish scrum. Jamie only managed the one cap for the national side.

Hooker –Hika Elliot – 4 Tests (2010-15)

A headcase out of Hawkes Bay managed 4 caps in 5 years.. He was the only hooker who could throw straight in New Zealand at one point, hence his call-up to the All Blacks, and was a very strong runner also. He didn’t mind a dart down the sideline of a lineout. Handy provincial player but never made the jump.

Prop – Ben Afeaki – 1 Test (2013)

If it weren’t for concussion issues, Afeaki would likely be a Rugby World Cup-winning prop. Instead, the 27-year-old is retired with only one test cap to his name.

Lock – Kevin O’Neil – 1 Test (2008)

The man known to his team mates as “Giant”, O’Neil was bought in to the AB’s to cover Brad Thorne who was suspended (Roost). O’Neill made his only appearance, coming off the bench against South Africa in Dunedin in 2008.

Lock – Jason ( or is it Jamie ) Eaton – 15 Tests (2005-09)

Jason( or Jamie ) Eaton aka Pig Dog spent more time at the local Grumpy Mole haunt, than he did on the field. The guys lid severely hindered his line out performance, which in turn limited his use as a test lock. He grew up in Palmy North, but made a name for himself in the Naki. Same place isn’t it?

Flanker – Reuben Thorne (C) – 50 Tests (1999-2007)

The nickname ‘Captain Invisible’ says it all – never to be seen. Somehow managed 50 Tests. A hometown favourite and a joke everywhere else.

Flanker – Mark Carter – 7 Tests (1991-98)

The rugby league convert was close to taking the captains armband. He was the only All Black to be tormented by his own countrymen. A slow and painful ‘Car-ter, Car-ter, Car-ter’ rang around the stands of Carisbrook in his Test against Australia. There are rumours that he made the All Blacks because he was dating John Hart’s daughter. When his rugby union career stalled he tried his luck at rugby league with the Auckland Warriors, and now is on lists like this one for the 13-a-side code! Incredibly, Carter returned to union and was recalled by the All Blacks…who were coached by Hart.

Number 8 – Ron Cribb – 15 Tests ( 2000-2001)

Was a back yard favourite for his chip and chase game of the back of the scrum. Was a dynamic provincial player, but soon realised that in test footy as a forward, you needed to know how to tackle and blow out in a ruck.

Halfback – Rhy Duggan – 1 Tests (1999)

Duggan is just another All Black to benefit from a dominant Waitkato team in the late 90’s early 2000’s. A complete battler that made the national team as injury cover and got a sympathy sub. He literally spent more time in the Hamilton Grumpy Mole than on the field for the AB’s.

Flyhalf – Stephen Donald – 23 Tests (2008-11)

The beaver is a living legend. Loves whitebait, a chip and chase and won New Zealand the Rugby World Cup in 2011. But let’s be honest, he was terrible for the All Blacks in 22 of his 23 Tests. He never quite “got it” in the black jersey and his performance against the Wallabies in Hong Kong went down in NZ rugby infamy.

Wing – Scott Hamilton – 2 Tests (2006)

A Canterbury legend, Hamilton was the butt of all NZ rugby jokes for most of his career. For a guy that could only make the 3rd 15 of his high school, to end up wearing the Black jersey is quite the achievement. He crossed the try line once and then shot of overseas to make bank.

Second Five Eight –Paul Steinmetz 1 Test (2002)

Three minutes was all Paul Steinmetz was given at test level, which is three minutes more time in the All Blacks jersey than most people reading this story.

Centre – Isaia Toeava – 36 Tests (2005-11)

They just kept picking him! He hadn’t even played Super Rugby when he was first selected! ‘His nickname was Ice and that summed up his All Black career. It seemed like he forgot how to catch the pill every time he put on the black jersey.

Wing –Frank Halai – 1 Test (2013)

He’s big, he’s Tongan, he’s fast, he’s powerful, he’s the worst All Blacks ever version of Jonah Lomu. Spread it wide and give big Frank Halai some space to move and he can be devastating. That was the dream, but it never happened for Big Frank.

Fullback – Ben Blair – 4 Tests (2001-02)

A skilled goal kicker and that’s about it. Someone who realised quickly, being 55kg in test footy doesn’t work. Scored 37 points in his All Black debut (not capped) against Ireland A, but it was all downhill from there.