Rugby World Cup 2015: Pool C profile – New Zealand march on

Can anyone stop the all-conquering All Blacks, as Richie McCaw aims to become the first man to captain two World Cup winning teams?

New Zealand Rugby
(Image credit: Hannah Peters/Getty)

It's remarkable how a nation with a population of just 4.5 million can produce a never-ending supply of world-class rugby players. This year is no different, and the All Blacks arrive in England not just as the reigning champions but as the world's number one ranked team too. Hardly surprising, then, that they begin the campaign as the favourites even though they saw Australia lift the Rugby Championship title. The one question mark concerns the age and fitness of some of their key players, including captain Richie McCaw, prop Tony Woodcock and fly-half Dan Carter.

Star man: Richie McCaw

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