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The tributes continue for former All Blacks prop John Drake who died at his Mt Maunganui home yesterday, at the age of 49.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry coached Drake at both Auckland Grammar School and the University rugby club and says Drake was very intelligent.
He says Drake was a pretty sophisticated scrummager and he was about thought before brawn.
Henry added Drake was a good all-round guy and it was not only rugby that was important to him, he was also active and successful in business circles.
Former All Black, Auckland and University club teammate Grant Fox also paid tribute to Drake, who was a member of the 1987 World Cup winning side.
Fox says Drake was a very smart rugby player, which was especially evident after his rugby career, when he took commentary roles on TV and radio, and wrote for newspapers. He says John Drake always had a great rugby brain, and was very insightful in his columns.
John Drake played eight test matches for the All Blacks, scoring just one try, which was against Wales in the 1987 World Cup semifinal. He is survived by his wife Cathy and three daughters.
- NEWSTALK ZB
