The Greatest All Black Side Ever - Part One

(Photosport)
(Photosport)

The 2016 version of the All Blacks have just completed a tier-one world record for Test victories and are now being talked about as the greatest New Zealand side in history.

Over the course of the next two weeks, as the side heads overseas in an attempt to extend their record, Newshub wants to find out who you think is the greatest All Black side.

Sixteen sides dating back to 1905 have been selected by our sports team, but you will decide the final result.

We begin with the first four of eight first-round Tests. Two World Cups, two Lions Series wins, an historic win in the Republic and the "Originals" all feature.

Have your say in the poll below.

(All Images courtesy of Photosport)

MATCH ONE - THE ORIGINALS VS THE GRAND SLAMMERS

1905 - Originals

The Greatest All Black Side Ever - Part One

Nothing is better than the original and that's exactly what the 1905 New Zealand side was.

Touring Europe and the United States, the original All Blacks won 34 of 35 matches, with the sole defeat coming against Wales in Cardiff, a match still regarded as one of the greatest of all time.

This history-making side included greats such as Bob Deans, Bill Wallace and the legendary Dave Gallagher.

1978 - Grand Slammers

The Greatest All Black Side Ever - Part One

With names including Andy Hayden, Stu Wilson, Bryan Williams, Frank Oliver and Graham Mourie, the 1978 version of our national side will forever be in the history books as the first side to achieve a European Grand Slam.

The only blemish was the memorable 12-0 loss against Munster, but the side showed true character five days later to beat Ireland, which would be followed by the infamous Andy Hayden lineout penalty in a 13-12 win over Wales.

MATCH TWO - THE CURSE BREAKERS VS END OF AN ERA

2011 - Curse Breakers

The Greatest All Black Side Ever - Part One

After 24 years of heartache and tears, the 2011 World Cup champions brought a sense of relief to a country almost on its knees to reclaim the William Web Ellis Cup.

Led by an ailing captain, Richie McCaw, the Graham Henry-coached side coasted through the tournament to reach the final against the old nemesis, France.

Twice before the French had ended the nation's dreams of glory, but thanks to a bloke named "Beaver" and a little luck, those demons were buried once and for all with a one-point win.

2015 - The End of an Era

The Greatest All Black Side Ever - Part One

When the final whistle blew at Twickenham in November last year, and the ABs had completed back-to-back World Cup wins, it also brought the curtain down on the careers of some of our greatest ever.

McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Tony Woodcock, Kevin Mealamu and Conrad Smith all played parts in a wonderful moment for the country as the All Blacks became world champions for the first time away from home.

Similar to the 2011 version, but boosted by a fully fit McCaw, a re-invigorated Carter and the likes of Sonny Bill Williams, Brodie Retallick and Aaron Smith, the 2015 version of our national side will live on for years to come.

MATCH THREE - THE INCOMPARABLES VS SHAG'S FAVOURITE 

1996 - The Incomparables

The Greatest All Black Side Ever - Part One

History-making is a constant theme in looking through All Black history, but that is a term that the 1996 team deserves more than most.

A team, often considered as the best rugby side in modern history, became the first All Blacks side to win a series in South Africa.

John Hart had taken the bones of Lauire Mains' magnificent 1995 outfit and turned them into a dominant juggernaut that was hardly troubled throughout a two-year period, but the tour of the Republic was the highlight of a fantastic three years for All Black rugby.

A back three featuring a combination of Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, Jeff Wilson and Glen Osbourne, a midfield of Walter Little and Frank Bunce, Andrew Mehrtens, the Brooke brothers, Ian Jones, Josh  Kronfeld and Michael Jones, all led by Sean Fitzpatrick - how could you not have a winning formula?

1967 - Shag's Favourite

The Greatest All Black Side Ever - Part One

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said the 1967 side is the best he has ever seen.

Undefeated on the tour of the Northern Hemisphere, the '67 ABs have been described as game changers in the way rugby was played.

Never before had international audiences seen ball-carrying forwards such as the great Sir Colin Meads, Kal Tremain, Ken Gray and Ian Kirkpatrick showing skills of their backline teammates like Earl Kirton, Sid Going and Malcolm Dick.

The side swept all before them on the way to a second undefeated tour of the North, including a 13-6 win over Wales, who were at the time considered the best team on the planet.

MATCH FOUR - THE LION TAMERS VS A STAR IS BORN

1983 - Lion Tamers

The Greatest All Black Side Ever - Part One

A 4-0 win over the Lions cements the 1983 All Blacks into our top 16 All Black sides of all time.

With a 38-6 win in the final Test of the series, New Zealand put a seal on a dominant series where they never looked like losing.

The '83 side featured a few new faces such as Warwick Taylor and Gary Whetton, while incorporating the experience of Jock Hobbs, Murray Mexted, Andy Hayden and Bernie Fraser.

2005 - A Star is Born

The Greatest All Black Side Ever - Part One

July 2, 2005 was the official welcoming of Carter to world rugby as the best player on the planet.

A masterful performance from the All Blacks pivot ensured the heaviest defeat on a touring Lions side in history.

Two tries, three conversions and two penalties completed a 23-point night for DC and thus a series marred by the "tacklegate" controversy around Brian O'Driscoll and Tana Umaga, was won for the home side.

The All Blacks played rugby at a pace that even the best the North could offer struggled to compete with.

McCaw, Carter, Ali Williams, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Jerry Collins all had standout performances during a series whitewash that would also include a home Test debut for Conrad Smith.

Check back here on Wednesday for the results and your chance to vote on the next four match-ups

Newshub.