All Black World Cup 2003 squad profiles

Fullbacks:


Mils Muliaina


Age: 23 Caps: 7 Tries: 0 Points: 0


Outstanding counter-attacking has been influential this season. Looks to have made fullback his own while Leon MacDonald was injured and Christian Cullen out of favour.

Leon MacDonald


Age: 25 Caps: 19 Tries: 7 Points: 35


Disrupted year recovering from concussion symptoms. Returned to test rugby against Australia last week and proved back to his courageous best.

Ben Blair


Age: 24 Caps: 4 Tries: 0 Points: 4


Small in build but quick, his selection is largely due to goalkicking prowess. Could also cover wing.

Wingers:


Doug Howlett


Age: 24 Caps: 31 Tries: 24 Points: 120


Considered world's best winger by many, has continued his blistering form with seven tries this season and is a key figure in expansive gameplan.

Caleb Ralph


Age: 25 Caps: 10 Tries: 4 Points: 20


Usually reliable but hasn't looked on top of his game in few chances to show form this year. Benefits from lack of wing depth in New Zealand.

Joe Rokocoko


Age: 20 Caps: 7 Tries: 11 Points: 55


Discovery of 2003. Arguably the fastest-ever All Black with a penchant for the tryline. Still learning but a potential tournament star.

Midfield backs:


Tana Umaga


Age: 30 Caps: 52 Tries: 27 Points: 135


Used largely as a decoy this year, could come into his own at World Cup. Defensive leader and provides wise head in three-quarters.

Ma'a Nonu


Age: 21 Caps: 1 Tries: 0 Points: 0


Displayed raw brilliance during Super 12 but has had few chances since. Could prove dynamic early against weaker nations.

Daniel Carter


Age: 21 Caps: 3 Tries: 2 Points: 43


Skilful and talented, will find it hard to break into first team despite fine debut efforts. Important reserve with goalkicking ability.

Aaron Mauger


Age: 22 Caps: 15 Tries: 5 Points: 38


Return from injury from Tri-Nations has sparked backline. World class playmaker and game-breaker boasting speed and skill.

First five-eighth:


Carlos Spencer


Age: 27 Caps: 22 Tries: 8 Points: 250


Key man, with backline hinging on his decision-making and actions. On his day irrepressible but bound to be targetted. Pressure on to land his goalkicks.

Halfbacks:


Justin Marshall


Age: 30 Caps: 65 Tries: 22 Points: 110


Most experienced squad member. Still criticised over speed of clearance but provides point of difference with strength and nous.

Steve Devine


Age: 26 Caps: 7 Tries: 0 Points: 0


Has performed handily this year with clean clearance and sniping runs. Brings good work ethic but will struggle for starting spot.

Byron Kelleher


Age: 26 Caps: 24 Tries: 4 Points: 20


Will keep Marshall and Devine honest but unlikely to see much field time. Experienced and abrasive.

No 8s:





Jerry Collins


Age: 22 Caps: 8 Tries: 0 Points: 0


Raw aggression has seen him make position his own. Strong advantage-line runner and punishing tackler. Biggest test to come against French and English packs.

Rodney So'oialo


Age: 23 Caps: 3 Tries: 0 Points: 0


Kept out by good friend Collins but handy with his versatility and athleticism. Wants another chance to prove himself.

Flankers:


Richie McCaw


Age: 22 Caps: 14 Tries: 1 Points: 5


Jewel in the forward pack crown. Among world's elite loose forwards and All Blacks' most consistent player for two seasons.

Marty Holah


Age: 26 Caps: 17 Tries: 2 Points: 10


Unlucky as McCaw's understudy but makes the most of every opportunity. Will spend much of the tournament on the bench.

Daniel Braid


Age: 22 Caps: 1 Tries: 0 Points: 0


Tearaway who starred for Auckland in NPC triumph last year, earning test debut against Wales in November. Able backup to McCaw and Holah.

Reuben Thorne


Age: 28 Caps: 34 Tries: 3 Points: 15


Has answered most critics who questioned both his selection and captaincy credentials. Growing in stature as leader and important "glue" in the pack.

Locks:


Ali Williams


Age: 22 Caps: 10 Tries: 0 Points: 0


Bounced back after loose start to the season. Crucial role as ball-winner and provides athletic work rate.

Chris Jack


Age: 24 Caps: 20 Tries: 2 Points: 10


Continuing outstanding form in heart of the pack. Among the world's best both at set piece and around the park.

Brad Thorn


Age: 28 Caps: 5 Tries: 0 Points: 0


Packs enormous power, particularly at scrum time, but seems better suited to impact role. Hardest trainer and strongest man in squad.

Props:


Greg Somerville


Age: 25 Caps: 28 Tries: 0 Points: 0


Matured into world class tighthead. Excellent scrummager and mobility under-rated. Will be important against forward-based opponents.

Kees Meeuws


Age: 29 Caps: 29 Tries: 7 Points: 35


In sharp form, mostly off the bench. Hardman who has added extra skills to his game and knows how to sniff a try.

Dave Hewett


Age: 32 Caps: 16 Tries: 2 Points: 10


Oldest member of squad and continues to impress with no-nonsense approach. Formed part of impressive scrum and defends well.

Carl Hoeft


Age: 28 Caps: 28 Tries: 0 Points: 0


Unlucky with injury twice this year and could push Hewett close for starting loosehead spot.

Hookers:


Keven Mealamu


Age: 24 Caps: 8 Tries: 1 Points: 5


Among biggest movers of 2003. Outstanding at domestic level and carried that into test scene. Small in stature but mobile and strong, must ensure lineout throwing is on song.

Mark Hammett


Age: 31 Caps: 24 Tries: 3 Points: 15


Admirable team man. Ideal foil for Mealamu with his experience and vigour. Tough scrummager.

Corey Flynn


Age: 22 Caps: 0


The bolter and only uncapped player. Recovering from broken arm but impressed as versatile, hard-running hooker for Southland and Crusaders in the past year.