Zinzan BROOKE

Zinzan Brooke made his New Zealand debut against Argentina when he was a surprise selection in the 1987 World Cup squad. His extraordinary ball skills, athleticism and extremely competitive approach saw him become one of the most influential players in world rugby for more than a decade. Although his impact at provincial level for Auckland at No8 was immediate, his early years in the All Black jersey were mainly in the shadow of legendary hardman and captain Wayne Shelford. It was not until 1990, when Shelford was sensationally axed after leading New Zealand to 18 test matches undefeated, did Brooke get his chance as first choice in the 8 jersey. It proved to be a difficult period for him as he battled injury - he played on the 1990 French tour with a broken ankle - and public loyalty to Shelford as well as the emergence of other rivals such as Mike Brewer and, later, Aaran Pene.

The 1991 World Cup campaign was not a successful one but Brooke consolidated his position as the top choice - only to find that by returning to New Zealand late after playing in France that he had to battle again for new All Black coach Laurie Mains' favour. But a sign of things to come was in the historic 1992 test against South Africa. His ability to shape and control the game that day saw him described by South African journalists as the 'Colossus of Ellis Park', and culminated in a superbly taken try from a quick tap as the Boks turned away expecting a shot at goal. The 1993 season also showed glimpses of his best - notably on the tour of the UK - although this time at flanker as Pene took over as first choice No8. Against the South of Scotland he scored 4 tries and was described by Scottish legend John Rutherford as "the most skillful forward in the world". It was a taste of things to come. (Paul Scott)

It was in 1994 that Brooke made the breakthrough to be a world class performer. He made the 8 jersey his own at last and, while the All Black results were mixed, his star shone brighter than ever. He was named New Zealand player of the year and once again proved to be the Springboks nemesis in the home series win with his superb skills at last being complemented with an extreme physical toughness. In the Bledisloe Cup test against Australia he orchestrated the amazing second half comeback that very nearly pulled off an unlikely win but more importantly in that display he set the tone for a style of play seldom seen before at No8 and for his, and the All Blacks, great era of 95 to 97. Unfortunately his 1995 World Cup campaign was severely hindered by a ruptured achilles heel, but such was his importance to the New Zealand cause he was selected despite never being fully fit until virtually the final - where he was one of the few members of the squad not to be struck down with food poisoning.

His finest moment in the tournament came in the semi-final demolition of England when he nonchalantly dropkicked a goal from 40 metres out. More of this audacity was to be seen again. After the World Cup New Zealand comprehensively beat Australia over 2 tests to reclaim the Bledisloe Cup with Brooke again being vital to that cause. The end of year series with France was drawn 1-1 and Brooke's contribution was once again vital in winning the Paris test. As rugby entered its professional era it was players such as Brooke who set the standards that would be necessary to succeed in such an environment. (Paul Scott)

The latter part of Zinzan Brooke's career saw him blossom into arguably the worlds best rugby player. He reached the absolute peak of his game in the historic first series win on South African soil in 1996 - helping extract revenge for the years of All Black losses in the Republic and for the World Cup defeat the year before. He scored and created tries, was an enormous physical presence on attack and defence and dictated the games with great tactical nouse. In the series clinching win at Pretoria came perhaps his defining moment in the black jersey when he, again, dropkicked a goal that this time sunk the hearts of the Springboks. It showed all the audacity of his earlier years but was offered in a context of cutting edge competitiveness - as if it were just a necessary part of a demolition of a great foe. Brooke's great form continued throughout 1997 - scoring 2 tries in his 50th test match against Australia.

He marked playing Wales at the unlikely venue of Wembley with his customary dropgoal. Undefeated throughout the season, the All Blacks dedicated the last test of the tour, against England at Twickenham, to Brooke in his 58th and final international. It was not to be a fairytale end as the New Zealanders could only draw 26-26 and it signalled an end to a great era. It is highly unlikely that there will ever again be a No 8 like Zinzan Brooke. His mix of skill, strength and subtlety was absolutely unique. In 1999 Rugby World magazine voted him the second best No8 of all time to the great Mervyn Davies. Second best was never good enough to Brooke - and in the eyes of New Zealanders he never was. He was THE best. (Paul Scott)