World of Boxing and Rugby Union
Number 8
1. Zinzan Brooke
One of the most skilled forwards that has ever graced the world of rugby union. He established a reputation for the build of a forward but the skills and flair of a back. Brooke received the ultimate compliment from All Black coach John Hart when he said there would never be another player like him.
One of the most skilful forwards to have played for the All Blacks and one of the most versatile and durable. He entered first-class rugby in 1986 and in the very next year was chosen for the 1987 World Cup squad and played in the pool match against Argentina on the openside flank, scoring the first of his 41 tries for New Zealand.
Brooke toured Japan at the end of 1987 and Australia in 1988 but didn't play another test until 1989 when he replaced Michael Jones - as he'd done in his first test, against Argentina at Athletic Park. He was then seen as the deputy to captain Wayne Shelford at No 8 and when Shelford was dropped after the two-test series against Scotland in 1990, Brooke took over. His test appearances continued to be spasmodic, however, partly because of injury and partly because of the caprices of selectors. It was only relatively late in his career that he became the regular first-choice No 8 after being played on occasions there or either of the flanker positions.
He played in five of the matches in the 1991 World Cup and four in the 1995 cup, during which he
contributed an unforgettable moment which has gone down in rugby folklore against England during
the 1995 showpiece. With the posts lying 47 metres away from the rampaging No.8 - Brooke set his sights and nailed an outrageous field goal - and in the process propelling him into the rugby spotlight
Brooke became Auckland captain after Sean Fitzpatrick was made captian of the All Blacks and he also led the Auckland Blues in the first two years of the Super 12, winning the title both years.
His 17 tries in tests were a world record for a forward. Many of his more than 150 tries in his first-class career came from pushover tries at the base of the dominant Auckland pack, but the nature of the tries don't detract from the skill and competitiveness of one of the All Black giants of the 1990s, and one to live with the giants of the past.