2011 vs 2015: Who wins the ultimate All Blacks showdown?

Sport Nation • August 27th, 2026 6:00 am

All Blacks lift the Webb Ellis Cup after winning the 2011 World Cup at Eden Park | Photo: Photosport

It’s one of New Zealand rugby’s great hypothetical debates — what would happen if the 2011 World Cup-winning All Blacks faced the 2015 World Cup-winning All Blacks?

That was the question posed by Sport Nation Afternoons host Mark Stafford for 'What If Wednesday'.

The 2011 side was built around physicality, defensive organisation and a powerful forward pack, while the 2015 team offered similar strength but with greater attacking variety, speed and kicking control.

Staffy's imagined match begins with both teams testing each other through the forwards, before the 2015 side finds opportunities out wide and the 2011 team responds through its pack.

“The 2011 All Blacks were more confrontational and defensively suffocating,” Staffy said.

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“But 2015 had greater attacking variety and a more complete kicking game.”

The 2011 team has the power to dominate the middle of the field, while the 2015 side boasts the combination of Aaron Smith and Dan Carter, along with the attacking threats of Ben Smith, Julian Savea and Nehe Milner-Skudder.

“The difference was the halfback to first five combination of Aaron Smith and Dan Carter, whose speed and decision making created just enough space for Milner-Skudder, Savea and Ben Smith.”

With Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn and Ma’a Nonu providing plenty of physicality for the 2011 side, Staffy also believes conditions could play a major role.

“A rematch in wet conditions though would probably favour the 2011 side.”

So, does the 2011 team’s power and defensive pressure overcome the attacking variety of the 2015 side?

Or does Dan Carter produce the decisive moment in a tight finish?

Find out what Staffy decided below: