The countdown of the Otago Daily Times' greatest players in the history of the All Blacks continues. Today, Nos 10-6.
No 10: John Kirwan
Position: Winger.
Era: 1984-94.
All Blacks: 96 matches (63 tests).
His story: A dynamic runner who could step off either foot. For a big man, was relatively quick off the mark and scored some crucial tries. Plucked out of third-grade rugby to play for Auckland in 1983 and was in the All Blacks the following year. On top of his game at the 1987 World Cup, scoring a length-of-the-field try against Italy and then nabbing a try in the final. A serious Achilles injury in 1989 could have been the end but he came back to play test rugby again the next year.
No 9: Jeff Wilson
Position: Wing-fullback.
Era: 1993-2002.
All Blacks: 71 matches (60 tests).
His story: A schoolboy star in three sports, Wilson scored 66 points in a schoolboy rugby game. Came up to Dunedin from his Invercargill home in 1993 and by the end of the season was an All Black. Scored three tries in his test debut against Scotland. Wilson was a match-winner who had all the skills and in the 1996-97 years was the form player in the All Blacks. Just as much of a threat at fullback as on the wing, he scored 44 tries in his 60 tests and could also kick goals.
No 8: Sean Fitzpatrick
Position: Hooker.
Era: 1986-97.
All Blacks: 128 matches (92 tests).
His story: Another schoolboy star, Fitzpatrick came into the All Blacks when many players were suspended because of a tour to South Africa. Then got a start when the first-choice hooker, Bruce Hemara, was injured.
Was then dropped but forced his way back in to start a sequence of 63 straight test appearances. Won the captaincy in 1992 and was to be the skipper until the end of 1997. Tough, uncompromising and mobile, Fitzpatrick never backed down to anyone and was ruthless in his pursuit of victory.
No 7: Bert Cooke
Position: Midfield back.
Era: 1924-30.
All Blacks: 44 matches (8 tests).
His story: One of the greatest backs to wear an All Black jersey, Cooke had a blinding turn of speed and could turn the slightest chance into points. Despite his slight build - he weighed about 62kg - he was a good defender, and could beat a man with ease.
On the Invincibles tour he scored 23 tries in 25 games, and he was a big loss for the All Blacks' tour of South Africa in 1928 when he stayed home for business reasons. In the 131 games of first-class rugby he played, Cooke scored 121 tries.
No 6: Michael Jones
Position: Loose forward.
Era: 1987-98.
All Blacks: 74 matches (55 tests).
His story: Exploded on to the scene at the 1987 World Cup. Revolutionised the openside flanker position with his athletic ability and sheer speed.
Scored a try in the final and just could not be stopped by any side that came up against him.
His refusal to play rugby on Sundays did not stop his selection. Came back from a serious knee injury in 1989. Along with his remarkable ability, he also had a massive determination to win. Moved on to the blindside flank in the later stages of his career, where he was just as effective.