Roger Alton Roger Alton

This looks like the greatest rugby side ever

The magnificent Beauden Barrett might look like a chorister but he’s as quick and deadly as a cheetah with a sidestep

issue 17 September 2016

British Lions fans of anervous disposition should avoid the telly of a Saturday morning. Live before your very eyes, as the southern hemisphere Rugby Championship unfolds, is the rebirth of an extraordinary new All Blacks side, now without Carter, McCaw, Ma’a Nonu and all. And, scarily, evenbetter than that World Cup-winning side. Warren Gatland, be very afraid.

Our own Maro Itoje, the Saracens and England lock, wins every game he plays. The All Blacks win every game they play. How many players eligible for the Lions would get into the current Kiwi starting XV? Probably just Itoje. And how many from the rest of the world would get in? Again, probably just Itoje.

It’s a thrilling prospect: the cream of British rugby taking on the world champions at the end of the season. But these All Blacks aren’t just the champions — they are beginning to feel like the greatest side ever.

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