The All Whites have been dismissed as simply a group of mates who couldn't make it as rugby players by the Mexican football great Hugo Sanchez, ahead of their second World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.
Sanchez, who spent seven years with Spanish club Real Madrid, made the comments in the Mexican newspaper El Universal.
He was also critical of Mexico for over-celebrating following last week's 5-1 win over the All Whites, in the first leg of their qualifier in Mexico City.
The result's all but assured Mexico of a place at the next year's finals in Brazil but the All Whites midfielder Chris James says it's also provided yet more motivation ahead of Wednesday's second leg match in Wellington.
Although he says Sanchez is right about one thing, they are a group of mates.
James says he's a handy rugby player and jokingly suggested he could be called into the All Blacks as an injury replacement for Dan Carter.
