View photos of the squad
Watch Video: All Blacks squad announcementKEY POINTS:
Even Graham Henry wondered why Brad Thorn was returning to rugby this season.
He understands now and is grateful the veteran of 214 league games for the Broncos was unable to stitch up a deal to continue his league career in England and returned to the Crusaders.
Thorn added his first Super rugby title to his list of sporting honours on Saturday night before he was confirmed yesterday as one of the locks in the All Black squad.
His latest All Black selection was the next step in an extraordinary sporting career for the 33-year-old Thorn who has bolted the middle row of the Crusaders scrum together with Ali Williams.
Henry was effusive about the character and attitude Thorn brought to the Crusaders and was sure he would transfer those values, work ethic and common sense to the All Blacks.
"He's got all the bits and pieces and he loves to scrum," Henry said.
Thorn was bashful yesterday about his indiscretion in Saturday's final when he punched Daniel Vickerman and was sent to the sinbin. It was a lapse of judgment, one he tried to ignore as he jogged off for his 10 minutes in the naughty chair.
The Crusaders pulled through for the victory, one which finally gave the relieved Thorn a Super rugby medal after defeats in the 2003 and 2004 finals.
"We've got a board down in our rooms which lists players' games and a sword for honours they have and I was the only one, till now, with more than 50 games for the Crusaders and no title."
Thorn attributed his sporting longevity to good fortune with injury, the foundation years of training, continued conditioning work with the Broncos and his decision to abstain from alcohol about eight years ago.
"I just didn't have a handle on it like a lot of young men," Thorn said. "I knew it was something I needed to get sorted in my life and I just decided to can it. It's been one of the best decisions I've made."
However Thorn relented on his liquor ban after the Crusaders' victory choosing to have a few beers to farewell Robbie Deans, Reuben Thorne and Caleb Ralph.
Thorn turned down his first All Black selection in 2001, saying he was uncertain about his commitment before he was chosen during the 2003 World Cup year.
