Hooker

1.  Sean Fitzpatrick

 

As a player Fitzpatrick, with his durability, competitiveness and his role in making the hooker a dynamic cross between a tight and loose forward, achieved greatness.  But he was also an inspiring leader and of the record 92 tests he played for the All Blacks between 1986 and 1997 51, also a record, had been as captain from 1992.

 

Curiously, most of Fitzpatrick's rugby feats came directly from the misfortunes of others and but for those lucky breaks he may not have had the same success, however that can only be conjecture. Fitzpatrick was such a dynamic footballer it is difficult to imagine that his raw talent would not eventually be recognised.

 

By the time of his enforced retirement, just before the start of the 1998 season, because of a chronic knee injury Sean Fitzpatrick had established himself as one of the most significant All Blacks of all time.  As a legend he is rated with the likes of Colin Meads and George Nepia, men who have a status not simply as rugby stars but as folk heroes back in New Zealand.

 

Fitzpatrick epitomised the perfect hooker showing strength in the scrum whilst being mobile around the pitch and carrying strongly.  His return of 12 tries for the All Blacks helps to demonstrate his all round play.