All Blacks 2008 : All Black Backs

All Blacks 2008

Heading into the 2008 rugby season, the All Black backs add their strength and backing to our top team. Read on for profiles of backrow players in the All Blacks 2008 squad.

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As key members of the All Blacks 2008 squad, back row players carry the weight of scoring on their shoulders - taking the ball from the forwards and kicking it over the try line or running with the ball down the length of the field. Fast pace and solid kicking ability make good All Black backs.

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All Black backs 2008

• Dan Carter - He's played in 44 test matches with the All Blacks since 2003 and has made a name for himself as one of the best first fives on the international rugby scene.  He plays a key role in the backline and is also a strong goalkicker for the team.  In the 2006 season, Carter scored 221 points, the greatest number for any individual player. We'll need to make the most of this top All Black though - after rumours swirled for months, Carter is now believed to have signed a contract with French club Toulon for next season.
• Andrew Ellis - Stay tuned to this newcomer - he's proved himself as a halfback for the Canterbury Crusaders in last year's NPC playoffs. As a surprise selection for the Rugby World Cup 2007, Ellis has played just four test matches with the All Blacks. He's also represented Canterbury at age-grade cricket.
• Brendon Leonard - He's just 23, but Brendon Leonard has been awarded the black jersey after just a single season in Super 14 rugby. Having played in nine tests, Leonard and his high energy game are just getting started.
• Leon MacDonald - A versatile back row player, Leon MacDonald has great pace and an excellent sense of timing on the field. Having played for Japan, he has returned to play for the All Blacks and his local Canterbury team, the Crusaders, since 2004.
• Malili Muliaina - Mils Muliaina is young (just 25 years old) but he has already proved himself to be a strong and reliable player in the back row, with good speed and excellent counter-attacking skills. In 2006, Muliaina was one of only two players (along with Richie McCaw) to take part in 12 test matches. As a player, his versatility makes him valuable - the full back also plays on the wing and in centre field.
• Ma'a Nonu - Having played in 18 test matches with the All Blacks, Ma'a Nonu has shown a unique and undisputable style - breaking away from the pack to score or set up play for some dramatic tries. With a 100kg plus physique, Nonu has great strength but also great speed, as a powerful runner..
• Sitiveni Sivivatu - Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu began his All Black career with a bang in 2004, becoming the first All Black to score four tries in a test debut. He is speedy and also has a knack of spotting a gap in the field when required. His try-scoring skills continue to make him a valuable member of the team.
• Conrad Smith - A solid performer, Conrad Smith is often in the right place at the right time - but it's more than just good luck with this All Black. Despite breaking his leg in 2006, he managed to earn a place on the All Blacks team in the same year. Excellent speed, ball-handling and dodging skills are all part of Smith's game.
• Rudi Wulf
• Stephen Donald
• Anthony Tuitavake
• Jimmy Cowan
• Richard Kahui
  

Looking for more information? Find All Blacks 2008 and All Black forwards in the NZS.com directory.

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