Wynne Gray: The Super Six

NZ Herald·

30 Oct, 2015 08:14 AM6 mins to read

Six All Black greats will play their last test in Sunday's World Cup final. Photos / Brett Phibbs, Getty Images

Keven Mealamu

Mealamu was a promising player in the 2000 NZ Rugby Almanack and if anyone has made full use of his talent, it is the All Black hooker who signs off after 375 first class games.

That is more first-class matches than anyone in New Zealand rugby history. It's a staggering catalogue from a man of kindly nature who switched roles from flanker, shifted franchises to get a Super Rugby start, endured the lingering Blues dysfunction and had strong competition from Anton Oliver, Andrew Hore, Corey Flynn and Dane Coles for his national hooking spot.

Keven Mealamu in action for Auckland during the 2001 NPC season. Photo / Kenny Rodger

His sendoff from the Blues this year was underwhelming in poor conditions but Mealamu, as usual, had a smile. He is a decent man, someone who has maintained his perspective and ambitions when outside circumstances and dodgy calves have tried to take him down.

Outside his gnarly occupation, Mealamu is a talented artist, benefactor, business owner and proud father of two. He is a man of Christian values and a bag of aggression not to be messed with, as rivals such as Brendan Cannon and Lewis Moody have discovered.

The limelight is not his domain but Mealamu's remarkable exploits have countermanded his wishes.

Ma'a Nonu

Nonu is the rock in the All Black backline.

They rely on him enormously and he responds regularly. It's part of the paradox that is Nonu, an aggressive vat of line-bending venom who also carries deft passing and kicking skills to supplement his physical attributes.

He's the latest to go past the 100-test mark for these All Blacks to reinforce a remarkable run of longevity and excellence in midfield. He's on a roll. His work in the playoff games against France and South Africa has been high-class and he combines so well with Dan Carter on the inside and old mate Conrad Smith outside.

Away from the field, dialogue with Nonu can be a paper, scissors, rock experience depending on which changeable personality he brings to the conversation. That unpredictable style followed Nonu through his time with several Super Rugby teams but he packs his A game for the men in black.

He gets himself in top condition and his explosive style, with his power and sidestep, challenges any defenders, while his ability to take a tackle and recycle possession is ultra-reliable. That's become Nonu's signature tune.

Ma'a Nonu in action against Italy during the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Conrad Smith

Smith's contribution for the All Blacks is a beacon for persistence. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Smith has gone nearly all the same places as Ma'a Nonu.

He'll end up one hefty cricket blow short of three figures in tests but the leaner-framed Smith has shown remarkable endurance. He is the poster-man for intelligence countering brute force in test rugby while the partnership he has built with Nonu and nurtured through provincial and Super rugby reaches its premium value on the test fields.

Smith has suffered several concussions but the qualified lawyer has returned each time. He is fit, has just enough pace and all the courage needed to direct teammates into areas of advantage.

Smith leads the defence with his instructive comments, while on attack, his prying runs and unselfish distribution help build pressure. He has also been the shop steward to broker deals for the team about their pay and conditions and counselled many about life after rugby.

On the field, his sympathetic passing, running lines and support play are all basics Smith ticks off, while his anticipation and experience have made up for any loss of speed.

While centres are becoming bigger, Smith's contribution for the All Blacks is a beacon for persistence.

New All Blacks Piri Weepu and Conrad Smith after the team announcement in 2004. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Tony Woodcock

Woodcock's exit from test rugby was emblematic of his public connection.

He walked off the ground at Newcastle with a damaged hamstring and into retirement. No fuss, no fanfare, staunch and rock-solid as the All Blacks came to depend on him at loosehead prop through 118 tests.

Even when he was wheeled out to talk about his 100th test, it was hard to prise much information out of him. He was the same at Kaipara College where conversations about his skill began to gain public traction. Wayne Shelford turned up one day to help coach the 1st XV and was dumped on his tail in a crunching hit from the prop.

Woodcock's work on his parents farm honed his natural strength while his excellent technique made him a natural fit in the No 1 jersey.

He got his call-up in 2002 alongside Mealamu when they debuted against Wales, missed the 2003 World Cup but has been the business since.

The 34-year-old scored the All Blacks' vital try in their 2011 RWC triumph and overcame illness and injury to push through into his final campaign. He scored against Tonga but then damaged his leg and wandered away to his farm.

Greg Somerville, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock during a training session in 2004. Photo / Dean Purcell

Daniel Carter

France is calling after the RWC final. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Carter is diverting his skills to the French rugby and fashion markets for the next three years.

Forever remembered for his 2005 magic against the Lions, Carter danced and kicked many quality performances in his career but injury meant he was below par then out of the 2007 and 2011 tournaments.

Since then his desire to play at the top has been hampered by injury and the rising class of youngsters like Aaron Cruden, Colin Slade and Beauden Barrett.

It took Carter another three years to reach 100 caps but he still had one unfinished target. That World Cup ambition was not straightforward but this time Carter's body held up and Cruden's broke down.

There's an unnerving coolness about Carter when he drops into interview mode and delivers an array of answers which feel as automatic as his goal-kicking strike.

His play at this World Cup has improved throughout and he's beginning to play with some of that freedom which marked his best days in the No10 uniform. He's scanning the field as well as ever and running the team plays with the balance which has elevated him to the best in his position in All Black history.

Dan Carter during a Ranfurly Shield clash in 2002. Photo / Geoff Sloan

Richie McCaw

McCaw should retrieve that note he stuck in his teenage bedroom cupboard and fill in the details behind G.A.B. Maybe Prime Minister John Key should make that deal with McCaw in exchange for the knighthood which must be heading his way this New Year.

From the time the fresh-faced flanker from Hakataramea walked on to Lansdowne Rd for his test debut, he has delivered high quality work in the sporting and public arenas.

Skill mixed with dignity is a powerful blend and throughout a career I have watched from close-range, McCaw has delivered few tremors in a straight-line grid of distinction. He's not the most fluent public speaker but his attention to those duties and warmth in conversation is exemplary.

It's his footy though which has been remarkable. McCaw is goaded by the battle, he is supremely conditioned and rarely shows any pain in the most intense workzones he occupies. There are no shortcuts even after all his time in the All Black jersey and he's worked even harder on the mental aspects of the game.

McCaw's preparation is comprehensive and that legacy will endure in those who have been fortunate enough to play alongside this great All Black.