Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Wynne Gray rues the fact that the All Blacks have only had a couple of contenders to qualify for a list of halfback greats in the past two decades.
"More than 20 players have worn the black No 9 jersey in that time with Graeme Bachop, by some distance, the classiest performer. Bachop was brilliant, the best of the lot. Like all players he had moments when his game left him, but the fundamentals of his iron-wristed bullet pass, fierce acceleration, cover defence and tidy kicking game placed him at the head of the queue.
By dint of his longevity, Justin Marshall will have many supporters. What he lacked in some classic skills he superceded with his combative nature and rugby instincts in an extended career. The current crew of Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu, Brendon Leonard, Andy Ellis and Alby Mathewson - yes they have all toured with the All Blacks in the past few years - all have their strengths without that commanding presence."
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