BEST OF ALL

The New Zealand All Blacks are the most iconic rugby team in history. Their intimidating physical presence, lethal pace and raw matchday intensity have helped them chalk up a stunning all-time win rate of 77%. To put that into perspective, the mighty South Africa’s win rate is 63% and England’s is 54%. The All Blacks have already won three World Cups, in 1987, 2011 and 2015. And with the 2023 World Cup now looming into view, they remain favourites to do it again.

Behind the scenes, the All Blacks’ strength coach Nic Gill has been helping the players to improve their physical strength and mental steel for 14 years. Gill is an associate professor in human performance at the University of Waikato, whose research interests range from strongman lifts to hot-weather training. The Kiwi is also an Ironman athlete who – like the players he coaches –