All Black profile: Kieran Read

Kieran Read's reliability and heroism on the field has established him as the natural first choice for the No 8 jersey. Photo / Brett Phibbs

It is fair to assume the start to Kieran Read's World Cup campaign isn't quite going as he would have planned.

Instead of helping the All Blacks prepare for their opening clash against Tonga, he has cast a forlorn figure on the sidelines at training this week, with his right ankle cocooned in a moon boot.

After an impressive Super 15 season with the Crusaders, the stage was set for Read to have a big World Cup, with some predicting he would be one of the stars of the tournament.

But a severely sprained ankle in the All Blacks' final test outing before the tournament has ruled him out of the early rounds. Medical staff estimate he won't be fit for action before the final pool match against Canada.

It is a bitter blow for the All Blacks, Read featured heavily in the coaching staff's plans and Graham Henry admits he is "praying" for Read's recovery.

Since debuting for the All Blacks in 2008, the big loose forward has grown in stature with every international season, quickly establishing himself as the first-choice No 8 and one of the most consistent performers in the All Black pack. He was recognised as one of the players of the year in the 2010 Rugby Almanack, with his form in the black jersey putting him in the company of the world's best.

His on-field heroics were matched with everyday heroism this year, with Read helping his community with the clean-up in the aftermath of the devastating Christchurch earthquake.

Position: No 8
Tests: 32
Born: October 26, 1985, Auckland
Stats: 1.93m, 108kg

Canterbury and Crusaders