Five All Blacks to watch

ANTON OLIVER
The day after the All Black's comprehensive second test loss to the Lions in 1993, Oliver made his first-class debut for Marlborough.

He was touted as the next big thing in New Zealand rugby, a hooker of high pedigree. Just two years on, at late notice, Oliver was whisked to Sydney as a reserve for a Bledisloe Cup test.

His first test start was on his beloved Carisbrook in the 64-22 win against England in 1998 when lock Danny Grewcock was ordered off for kicking Oliver in the head.

Oliver captained the All Blacks in 2001 and has been the first New Zealander to play 100 games in the Super 12. He has captained Otago, the Highlanders and the All Blacks.

His scrummaging and mobility have never been questioned, but there were costly lineout throwing lapses. Oliver was overlooked for the 2003 World Cup, then last year's domestic series, and was ready to go overseas after the NPC.

But he was recalled for the tour to Europe, reinstated as test hooker and primed for the Lions series until he injured his calf. His return will be a huge boost for the tight five.

CARL HAYMAN
When Hayman surged across the whitewash in 2001 at North Harbour Stadium he became the 1000th All Black.

The tighthead prop has built on that distinction and at just 25 is acknowledged as the cornerstone of the pack, someone to rival Olo Brown in the setpiece confrontations.

Hayman was last season's NZ Maori player of the year and has usurped the dependable Greg Somerville as the test tighthead. Few best the huge 115kg Hayman in scrummaging and at 1.93m he is a most effective lineout lifter.

Add the extra mobility he has gained and the high tackle count he makes in every game and it is easy to see why Hayman is so important to the All Blacks.

CHRIS JACK
At 2.02m and 115kg, Jack has a great physique for the setpiece demands on the tight five; the scrums, lineouts and kickoff receptions which are so decisive in test rugby.

When games loosen up, Jack is also very adept as a ball-carrier or support player with his tremenous athleticism and speed.

He is really warming to his international career after playing the first of his 36 tests against Argentina in 2001.

But he needs a strong partner.

RICHIE McCAW
Best openside flanker in the world, fullstop. It is a massive statement about the toughest job in rugby, but McCaw fits the bill. Just ask Sir Clive Woodward. The Lions coach has huge respect for the All Black vice-captain.

"He is one of the greatest players I have ever seen. He is that good."

That sort of talent persuaded coach John Mitchell to promote then 20-year-old McCaw from the NPC to the All Blacks after just a few matches. He was an instant success.

Woodward has been looking at how to combat McCaw.

In peak form, McCaw combines the athletic anticipation of Michael Jones, the ball-grubbing skills of Josh Kronfeld and the intelligence of Graham Mourie.

DANIEL CARTER
Get Carter will be the call for the Lions loosies. This one-time halfback, sometimes All Black midfielder has settled into first five-eighths with remarkable poise.

The All Black panel decided they had to use Carter in his new role on the last tour to Europe — leaving Carlos Spencer and Andrew Mehrtens at home — so they could have him primed for the Lions.

Carter looked comfortable from the moment he ran on to the Stadio Flaminio in Rome to his gamboling about the Stade de France in Paris.

He can play up flat on attack where his pace burns defenders, he can slip into the pocket where his raking punts deliver plenty of distance, or he can defend the inside channels.

Carter's goalkicking has been smooth, with his tally in tests already at 232 points in just 17 appearances. His influence is growing and a duel with another leftie, Jonny Wilkinson, would be a special segment from the Lions series.