The Greatest All Black Side Ever – The Final Four

(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.

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.

Only four remain – gone are the 1905 Originals, the first and second All Black sides to win the Rugby World Cup and the magnificent 2005 side that swept the Lions.

It’s now up to you to vote for the final two.

Have your say in the poll below

MATCH ONE: END OF AN ERA VS THE INCOMPARABLES

2015 - End of an Era

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.

1996 - The Incomparables

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?

MATCH TWO: LOMU UNLEASHED VS THE RECORD HOLDERS

1995 - Lomu Unleashed

Probably the most overlooked team in All Black history, the 1995 side is often overshadowed by the accomplishments of 1996 and 1997 and lost in the shuffle of world cup tragedy's and triumphs.

A side that unleashed upon the world the unbelievable talents of Jonah Lomu, introduced us to Andrew Mehrtens and Josh Kronfeld, and brought a style to rugby that would still be entertaining now, in an age where we demand entertainment from our All Blacks.

A Joel Stransky drop goal cruelly cost Laurie Mains and his team a place amongst the immortals of All Black rugby, but an undefeated tour of France and a Bledisloe cup win softened the blow somewhat as Mains left his post on a high.

2016 -THE WORLD RECORD HOLDERS

Yes I know, technically Cyprus hold the world record, but never let facts get in the way of a good story, and the All Blacks have beaten more tier one nations in the last seven days than Cyprus have in their history.

What this side has accomplished under Steve Hansen and Kieran Read is astonishing given the legends that called it quits at the end of the World Cup last year.

Players have seemingly grown extra limbs, the way the likes of Dane Coles, Ben Smith, Ryan Crotty, Anton Lienart-Brown, Matt Todd and TJ Perenara – to name a few – have taken rugby to another level in the last three months has been truly phenomenal.

The All Blacks are a pleasure to watch – the athleticism on display by the entire playing group wouldn't look out of place on an NBA court.

This team - in a word - is 'perfect'.

Newshub.

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