Rugby The Game Changers Jim Kayes

There have been many magnificent All Blacks over the years but even some of the best did not have a transformative impact on the game - they were simply brilliant in their position. That is not a knock on them. Those players are, in fact, a coach's dream. 

But then there are those whose impact is so profound they change the way the game is played and their influence on how we mere mortals view the game extends beyond the time limits of their careers. That sort of players is very special indeed and they are celebrated here.

From a long list of contenders, 15 All Blacks are singled out for how they changed the game.  These are Sean Fitzpatrick, Michael Jones, Zinzan Brooke, Jonah Lomu, Andrew Mehrtens, Carlos Spencer, Christian Cullen, Tana Umaga, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Brad Thorn, Sonny Bill Williams, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith and Dane Coles,