Tony Brown: Pacific punisher

Tony Brown crosses to score against Samoa in 2001. Photo / Getty

The phrase "Party at Tony Brown's" has become synonymous with Otago rugby, but there's more than just one place where Brown has put up performances worthy of a party.

The All Blacks have a storied history against Pacific Island nations, but there's one name which stands out above all others when trawling through the history against the Island teams.

Tony Brown.

The Otago five-eighth's All Blacks career was a short one - playing just 18 tests from 1999 to 2001, but in that time Brown managed to set some sterling records against Pacific Island foes.

Surprisingly, Brown easily holds the record for the most points by an All Black against Pacific Island nations, having scored 88 points - the next best being Dan Carter with 58.

Despite being in the shadow of Andrew Mehrtens for most of his national team career, Brown accomplished this interesting feat by being the record holder for the most points by an All Black against Samoa (56) and Tonga (32).

The red-headed number 10 scored 26 points against Samoa in 1999 - with seven conversions and four penalties, before following it up in the next clash with a remarkable 32, scoring a hat-trick of tries while adding three conversions and three penalties.

In between that time, Brown made up for not being given a run off the bench in the All Blacks' 1999 World Cup win over Tonga by putting 32 points on the board against them in 2000. The team's dominance resulted in Brown kicking 12 conversions, adding one penalty and crossing the line himself on one occasion.

Brown also broke the 30 point barrier against Italy in 1999, making him the only player to score over 30 points in three separate internationals.

Carter could catch Brown with a good display against Samoa followed by an appearance at the World Cup against Tonga, but for now - Brown holds a quirky part of All Blacks history.

Most points v Pacific Island nations:

Tony Brown 88
Dan Carter 58
Jeff Wilson 55
Grant Fox 51
Christian Cullen 49

Most tries v Pacific Island nations:

Jeff Wilson 11
Christian Cullen 9
Doug Howlett 8
Tana Umaga 8
Mils Muliaina 7