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Cape Town - They have proven nearly unbeatable in the rugby world and now the All Blacks have seen off the very best of every other code.
According to NZ Herald website, the 2015 Rugby World Cup champions on Monday night extended their dominance to a truly global scale, collecting the team of the year trophy at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Berlin.
Former skipper Richie McCaw and coach Steve Hansen picked up their prize at a star-studded ceremony at Messe Berlin, receiving the trophy from Germany's 2014 Soccer World Cup-winning coach Joachim Loew and former All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick.
"To win this award is pretty special," McCaw said.
"We're a little country from a long way away and just to be nominated and be among people like you is pretty amazing.
Along with the NBA's defending-champion Warriors and FC Barcelona - winners of four trophies in 2015 - the All Blacks proved too strong for Great Britain's Davis Cup-winning squad, Formula One team Mercedes AMG Petronas and the World Cup-winning United States women's football side.
The All Blacks were the third rugby side to claim the Laureus team of the year award, with England (2004) and South Africa (2008) both honoured after winning their respective World Cups.
Laureus Winners 2016
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: Novak Djokovic
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams
Laureus Spirit of Sport Award: Johan Cruyff
Laureus World Team of the Year: All Blacks
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year: Jordan Spieth
Laureus World Comeback of the Year: Dan Carter
Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award: Nikki Lauda
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Daniel Dias
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Jan Frodeno
The Laureus World Team of the Year is the All Blacks!
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) April 18, 2016
#LWSA16 pic.twitter.com/y1XlzVbSJs
