Josh KRONFELD

Like the man himself, Josh Kronfeld's ethnic origin was rather unorthodox - he described himself as "German-Samoan", an unusual combination to say the least. In rugby terms however he was All Black to the core, and in a five year career between 1995 and 2000 he established himself as the world's best open side flanker, also posing a potent attacking threat to any side he came up against. Though he had inherited a proud rugby heritage (his great uncles Frank and Dave Solomon had starred for New Zealand in the 1930s), Josh did not grow up dreaming of becoming an All Black and played the game just for fun. Then, as a teenager, his imagination was fired by a man who he respected enormously and would eventually go on to replace - the immortal Michael Jones.

Josh made his debut in an easy win against Canada in the World Cup year of 1995, but Jones still reigned supreme and in normal circumstances would have commanded the open sided slot in all New Zealand's tournament matches. However, Jones was a devout Christian and refused to play on a Sunday. Many of the Black's games were scheduled for the Sabbath, and this gave Kronfeld the opening he craved. Like most of that side he excelled in WC 95, and scored three tries, including one against England in the semi-final. Already he was showing the hallmarks of his game - unflinching determination around the paddock and a great attacking prowess that would bring him a bonanza of tries during the course of his career. The final was eventually lost to South Africa, but New Zealand came back in style the year after to win the first Tri Nations tournament with a 100% record. New Zealand's dominance in 1996 is simple to explain - the forwards were consistently brilliant and were able to supply continuous good ball to an already gifted backline, now supplemented by Christian Cullen. With Josh and Michael Jones part of an unbroken pack which played in all ten tests that season, the opposition didn't stand a chance. (Jon Collins).

In 1997 Josh Kronfeld suffered several injuries which curtailed his Super 12 appearances, but that did not stop him participating in New Zealand's successful Tri Nations defence. By now he had become a legend and was supremely popular with fans and players alike. Then on the All Blacks autumn tour of the UK, the unthinkable happened - coach John Hart replaced him with Andrew Blowers for the test against Ireland at Lansdowne Road. The move was seen as heresy by New Zealand fans, and one banner in the crowd read "NO HART - BRING BACK JOSH!". Whether Hart saw the banner or not, he gave the fans what they wanted and brought Josh on for the second half as New Zealand coasted to another win.

That tour marked the end of a golden era and the Blacks found life much tougher in '98 and '99. By the time of the World Cup, they had lost several key men through injury or retirement and all John Hart's carefully managed plans came apart against France in the semi-finals. Though another World Cup dream had disappeared on a far away field, Josh did manage another season in the international game, eventually retiring in 2000. As a person, Josh did not exactly fit the traditional All Black imagery of a forward. Whereas legends of the past such as Colin "Pinetree" Meads, Andy Dalton, Gary Knight and Richard Loe were rugged farming men, Josh was more Californian beach bum in his outlook. He enjoyed surfing, the blues and art, and identified with the avant garde Jean-Pierre Rives, France's dynamic flanker from the 70s who went on to become a Parisian sculptor. The man that he respected most of all was of course the one who had inspired him to become an All Black in the first place - Michael Jones, and Josh was deeply in awe of someone who could put his religious standpoint before rugby. In total he played 54 games for New Zealand, scoring 14 tries. (Jon Collins)