The 1987 team could - not necessarily will - be joined by the 2011 team in being the only All Black sides to win the Webb Ellis Cup. But who would make a combined team from these two sides? Rugby writer Steve Hepburn becomes a selector.
Fullback
This is very tough (actually, they all are). John Gallagher was the original running fullback and revolutionised the position. He was on fire the whole tournament and had lightning pace. Israel Dagg has all those ingredients and steely defence but Gallagher shades it as he was absolute dynamite the whole tournament.
Wings
John Kirwan, up against Italy, ran through the whole team. Scored a great try in the corner in the final. Has to be in. Craig Green, nicknamed the Pelican because of his big nose, was a fine footballer. He could run, sidestep with the best of them and play anywhere in the backline. Cory Jane and Richard Kahui are top rugby players but hard to beat JK and Green.
Centre
Joe Stanley was a late bloomer but never did anything wrong.
He set up many a try and was seldom beaten on defence.
Conrad Smith has all the attributes and keeps getting better with age.
Second five-eighth
Ma'a Nonu has been a runaway freight train in this tournament.
One wonders how he did not make the 2007 team. Just shades Warwick Taylor, who was the glue which held the 1987 backline together.
First five-eighth
Dan Carter was shaping up just fine after his great game against France but injury scuttled his chances. Hard to go past Grant Fox. Never missed a goal and his general kicking around the field was deadly accurate. Could pass well, too.
Halfback
David Kirk could not make the Otago team but three years later won the biggest prize in rugby. Was fast and made the break to win the final. But Piri Weepu has kicked goals, found the line and ran the ship with a safe pair of hands.
No 8
Kieran Read missed the first three games but is on a rapid upward slide in improvement.
Wayne Shelford, though, was the man who set the benchmark for the forwards. Tough, uncompromising and a great leader.
Flankers
Another very, very tough one.
But judged on the tournament alone, Michael Jones was freakishly good. And on the other side would be Jerome Kaino, who has been the best player in the side through the whole 2011 tournament.
Locks
Hard to judge as the role of lock has changed greatly over the years. But Sam Whitelock is a top athlete who gets round the field. And too hard to leave out Brad Thorn with his all-round ability.
Props
Owen Franks lets his play do the talking. He is a fine player, and has anchored an All Black scrum which has improved throughout the tournament. On the other side, Tony Woodcock is one of those who gets better the longer he stays on the paddock. Very tough, though, on John Drake and Steve McDowall.
Hooker
Sean Fitzpatrick, although Keven Mealamu is a livewire.
Black mark for Fitzpatrick for fronting the abandoned "Abstain for the All Blacks" campaign this year.
Captain
Don't need one.
Coach
Sir Brian Lochore. He is New Zealand royalty, but what about the label of Sir Graham Henry?
1987/2011 team
Hepburn's XV
John Gallagher, John Kirwan, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Craig Green, Grant Fox, Piri Weepu, Wayne Shelford, Michael Jones, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Sean Fitzpatrick, Tony Woodcock.