Worst All Blacks side: What the readers are saying

All Blacks coach Graham Henry. Photo / Getty Images

Many rugby fans are agreeing with NZ Herald columnist Chris Rattue that the latest All Black selection has produced the worst such selection of the modern era.

In a lively debate raging in our Your Views section - you can join in here - some fans are saying New Zealand rugby has never been in such bad shape. One such reader, TGS of Taupo says: "NZ rugby will not improve until Henry & Co get the boot and Steve Tew is told to move on."

"Davedog" of Papakura says the selection "is to be expected from the same idiots responsible for the RWC debacle.

"Absolute shocker, Weepu, Rocokoko, Wulf and MacAlister picked with no form to back it up. Then Ranger is left out despite being the form wing of the S14."

Reader "Welshjerry" of Waiheke Island says for once he agrees with Chris Rattue but no-one should be surprised considering the state of rugby today. "The domestic game is in insoluble turmoil, the Super 14 sides are generally poor, and all the good players go overseas to make money.

"NZ has moved so far from its rugby roots that all the things which made the ABs great are gone. Sure, they win matches, but not when it matters - too much cash, not enough ticker.

"They may win on Saturday, but it counts for nothing. The RWC is what the rest of the world measures their teams by, and the ABs need to go along with that if they are to reclaim their former glory."

It's not just the playing potential that has got fans upset. Auckland reader Pythag says: "The All Blacks are embarrassing. They look unkempt, jump up and down to try and scare the opposition before they 'play', and, need to look the part. If they were owned as they are in the USA, most of them would be sacked. Look good, represent our fine country, get a haircut and quit trying to make personal statements and be what you're not."

But not every one is writing off the All Blacks for their game on Saturday. "Curly" writes: "Individually all the players selected were outstanding in their Super 14 teams. I believe the All Blacks will win by 25 plus points."

And there's an alternative for those who no longer care about what the score will be. Muses a Takapuna reader: "Who cares, there's league on."