Well, they have played more games than us and…. that’s it.
In 2016, the All Blacks have raced in 39 tries in six games and won some silverware [Bledisloe Cup, The Rugby Championship] to go with the last two World Cup trophies.
Having been top dogs in every year but World Cup year for over two decades, the All Blacks ended that talking point in 2011 and followed up in style four years later.
The likes of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith have all stepped away but the next crop look better than ever.
One statistic, more than others, demonstrates just how sensational these All Blacks have been in 2016.
Of the top five try-scorers for 2016, all five are from New Zealand. The year’s top scorers are:
Israel Dagg: 8
Ben Smith, Beauden Barrett, Julian Savea: 7 each
TJ Perernara: 5
To demonstrate just how tough Ireland’s task will be at Soldier Field on Saturday, Dagg and Perenara have not even been selected in the starting line-up. Their ‘stand ins’ are Ben Smith and Aaron Smith.
Ireland’s top try-scorer in 2016?
Conor Murray on 4, followed by Jamie Heaslip on try. As for tries scored in eight Test matches, 21.
Sure we’re all about the kicking anyway…
Colm O’Rourke and Pauric Mahony join Colm Parkinson on a packed GAA Hour that includes Dick Clerkin appreciation and Sean Cavanagh envy. Subscribe here on iTunes.
