He is, even in this World Cup where the quality of loose forwards has been exceptional, probably the best No8 in world rugby. Pierre Spies doesn't have rightful claim to that title any more. He's never looked the same player since he began to be found out at the end of 2009. First the French then the All Blacks exposed him as a flat track bully.
Jamie Heaslip delivers a level of consistency that inspires and steers Ireland and Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe has as many skills as letters in his name.
None of them quite offer the same range as Read. None of them can power through the tackle as effectively as he does or link the play. The thing about Read is that he is not only a supreme athlete - he's also a supreme rugby player. That's a big difference.
Read makes smart decisions on the ball. He reads the game superbly and turns up exactly where he needs to be. His instincts are incredible which is why he's been able to go from the All Black bench (where he was at the end of 2008) to New Zealand player of the year by the end of 2010 and world class by this tournament.
It's not just what he brings as an individual that will give the All Blacks an edge they have been missing. What Read also does is nudge McCaw into playing at another level again.
With Read on board, McCaw is licensed to roam that little bit more freely. So far McCaw hasn't pilfered as much turnover ball as normal. That should change as with Read back, McCaw will be more selective about which rucks he hits.
Timing is everything in the turnover game and it is knowing when to stay out and when to really attack the ball that makes McCaw stand out.
Jerome Kaino, too, will find something extra. His transformation from great athlete into great rugby player has been fast-tracked since Read became a regular in the side. Kaino has converted his obvious potential into effective industry. The big hits are constant; his work-rate never diminishes and his willingness to carry is relentless.
These three are all seriously valuable component parts and an even more valuable combination. There are some good loose units at this World Cup - the Pumas, Ireland, Wales and Samoa being among the best - but the All Black trio have a good claim to be considered the best.
Certainly assistant coach Steve Hansen sees it that way: "I think they are," he says.
"They have shown enough over the last two years to warrant that billing. Individually they are all very good players. But as a combination I think they all complement each other particularly well."
Knockout rugby will change the complexion of the tournament. In the pool rounds it was apparent that even the minnows were adept at getting numbers to the breakdown and that, unlike previous tournaments, defensive structures didn't disintegrate the greater the number of phases the ball went through.
The speed at which most teams have been able to get to the breakdown and compete has been a feature and the intensity is only going to increase from the quarter-finals. All of the usual elements are going to have be top notch - scrums, lineouts, defence and handling - but the tackled ball area could be where the World Cup is decided. Those teams who can recycle quickly and pressure opposition ball are going to have an enormous advantage.
"What happens at that breakdown comes down to the quality of ball that you win and how quickly you get over that advantage line," says Hansen."Two of our loose forwards are also good in the lineout and all three of them are good scrummagers.
"Reado has really stepped up to the plate and Jerome has joined him with that physicality and ball carrying - so we are happy with what we have got."
