All Blacks 2008 : All Black Forwards
All Blacks 2008
Our top rugby players in 2008 are recovering from the disappointment of the Rugby World Cup in 2007. Read on for All Black player profiles highlighting the strengths of our best forwards on the rugby field.
The NZS.com All Blacks 2008: All Blacks Forwards article contains a rundown of the New Zealand All Blacks forwards players, their strengths, and who to look out for.
Can the All Blacks move on from the embarrassment of the 2007 Rugby World Cup? We profile the All Blacks 2008 forwards and see what New Zealand's top rugby players bring to the game.
Make sure you get your All Blacks tickets early and support our national team, and keep tabs on the All Blacks results to find out how we'd doing.
All Black forwards 2008
- Andrew Hore - A no-nonsense front row player, Andrew Hore grew up in the Maniatoto region and retains a cult status in the deep south. In 2006, his hard-playing skills came to the fore when he became the first hooker to take out a hat trick in the Super 14 championship.
- Sione Lauaki - Having played in 11 test matches since 2005, Sione Lauaki plays in both the blindside flank and in the Number 8 position. He also plays for the Waikato Chiefs and was a pivotal player in the Super 12 championships in 2004 and 2005.
- Richie McCaw - Captain Richie McCaw is an excellent openside flanker and defender, as well as being Captain of the team since 2004, when he was a fresh-faced 23 year old. McCaw has also led the Canterbury Crusaders to Super 14 victory in 2005 and 2006. His value as a player comes from a combination of strength, bulk and manoeuvrability.
- Kevin Mealamu - With a flexible style, Keven Mealamu is at home in any of the backrow positions. His skills and size make him a strong player in the scrum, the lineout or running with the ball. He has shown star form in many All Blacks matches; career highlights include match-winning try against South Africa and England.
- John Schwalger - A young player, 24 year old John Schwalger has shown superb form in the Under 21 representative team, in the Junior All Blacks and in the Wellington Hurricanes - playing defensively and with great strength in the front row.
- Rodney So'oialo - With the ability to play in any backrow position, Rodney So'oialo makes a great contribution to the All Blacks. As a player, he is also highly regarded for his outstanding fitness and was one of only five players to be called up for 11 or more test matches in the 2006 season.
- Neemia Tialata - As a front row player of great skill, Neemia Tialata was once a loosehead prop, making him a versatile and valuable player on the field. His weight (130kg) makes him a staunch ally and formidable opponent.
- Ali Williams - Debuting for the All Blacks since 2002, Ali Williams plays in the lock position and is also a strong attacker for the team and an effective lineout jumper.
- Tony Woodcock - As loosehead prop, Tony Woodcock has become a fixture of the All Blacks forward line-up and has played a key role since 2005. He is strong in the scrum and also with the ball, breaking away when the opportunity presents itself.
- Andrew Tomson
- Brad Thorn
- Jerome Kaino
- Anthony Boric
- Greg Somerville
- John Afoa
Looking for more information? Find All Blacks 2008 and All Black backs in the NZS.com directory.
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