League: Vatuvei's injury the end of glorious era

Manu Vatuvei and Roy Asotasi celebrate the Kiwis' historic 2005 Tri-Nations win over the Kangaroos. Photo / Getty Images

Then there were none. The 'Beast' carried the burden but the injury to Manu Vatuvei has severed the last link to one of the great Kiwi teams - the class of 2005.

There is now not a single player left from the team that set unprecedented records on the way to winning the 2005 Tri-Nations.

Brian McClennan's men were the first New Zealand side to beat the Kangaroos in a series since 1952; it was also the first time Australia had not won any test series in 27 years; and the 24-0 towelling in the final at Elland Road was the biggest loss inflicted on the Kangaroos in 53 years.

McClennan had selected several virtual unknowns and it was a relatively young team, with an average age of 23.

Just five years later all 17 men who featured at Leeds are gone, accepting that Vatuvei's injury is not career-ending. In contrast, nine of the All Black XV that played against England in 2005 are on the current tour; eight of the Silver Ferns who won gold in Delhi were involved in the 61-36 victory over Australia in October 2005 while Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and Scott Styris are among nine players who remain in the Black Caps from 2005.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Brett Webb: Known for his exuberant try-scoring celebrations and once rated as one of the best fullbacks in the world. Now playing for Leeds Rhinos in the British Super League.

Jake Webster: The powerful Melbourne Storm winger came from nowhere to make the team ahead of more established players. Webster now plays for Hull Kingston Rovers.

Paul Whatuira: Defensively, one of the best centres in the game with great positional sense. Not particularly quick, but Whatuira had a knack of scoring vital tries. The only Kiwi to have won NRL grand finals with two different clubs (Panthers 2003; Tigers 2005). Currently plays for Huddersfield Giants.

Clinton Toopi: Twice scored a hat-trick of tries against Australia; a record that will probably stand for all time. Back in the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans after a long spell in England.

Manu Vatuvei: Well before he became one of the sport's true superstars the then 18-year-old Vatuvei was causing headaches for Australia. Scored two tries in the final - including one where he wrestled the ball from Brett Tate's grasp in mid-air.

Nigel Vagana: Had played wing, fullback, centre and hooker for the Kiwis. McClennan made him a five-eighth and brought strong defence and eye for a gap. After collecting 157 tries in the NRL and a record 19 for the Kiwis, Vagana retired in 2008 and is now a NRL development officer.

Stacey Jones: The little general was coaxed back into the fold after a few years away while Daniel Anderson was Kiwis coach. Jones was at his supreme best in the final, which came after a midweek dash home to witness the birth of his third child. Despite 'retiring' in 2009, he guided the Pt Chev Pirates to a title in 2010.

Paul Rauhihi: A prop with an ungainly style who always performed for the national team, Rauhihi played for the North Queensland Cowboys and then Warrington before retiring in 2009.

Motu Tony: A renowned utility player, he was used at hooker and he was a key component of the double dummy half tactic. Based in England (currently with Wakefield) since 2004.

Ruben Wiki: One of the proudest moments in Wiki's long international career. Pivotal in producing the strong bond that permeated the 2005 team. Now the meanest, fittest-looking water boy in the NRL.

David Kidwell: Fired up his teammates in the final after several clashes with Australian hardman Willie Mason. Kidwell retired from all football in 2009 and is now the assistant coach at Souths.

Louis Anderson: Like most lock forwards, could tackle all day and had a real touch of flair about him. Along with brother Vinnie, his star shone all too briefly at international level; now in the Super League with Warrington.

Shontayne Hape: McClennan's decision to play Hape at loose forward for the final was a tactical masterstroke that confounded the Aussies. Has since switched codes and may face the All Blacks next month.

David Faiumu: A hooker who had the biggest left foot sidestep since Brad Fittler in his pomp. Can now be found plying his trade for Huddersfield in the UK Super League.

Roy Asotasi: For a few years was the leader of the Kiwi pack and rated one of the best props in the world.

Has struggled through 2010 with Souths but still a minor surprise that he was omitted from Kearney's squad.

David Solomona: A genuine x-factor player who was master of the unexpected and always unsettled the Australians. Lacked consistency in the NRL and seems suited to club life in England.

Ali Lauitiiti: Was never the same player after he left the Warriors in 2004. Was an impact substitution in 2005 and now fills a similar role for Leeds.