Former All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall believes the All Blacks are still a fair way off being at their best.

Speaking from his new base in Wales, Marshall says he enjoyed the Brisbane test, but the skill level was not great and he believes the All Blacks backs ran out of ideas.

He says it is not a good sign when Dan Carter has to resort to drop goals to score points. Marshall says the wonky line-out is also a major concern, and he has a plea for the national selectors.

He says the All Blacks clearly need their top team playing more regularly, but that appears unlikely to happen. Marshall says the top group of players need more time as a unit playing under intense pressure.