8.  Number 8

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.

His 17 tries in tests was 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.  The nature of the tries don't detract from the skill and competitiveness of one of the All Black giants of the 1990's and one to live with the giants of the past.