The Samoan-born flanker has forged a reputation as one of the biggest hitters in the world game, and for good reason - he is the man who hospitalised Wales star Colin Charvis with a blockbusting hit in 2003.

His no-nonsense approach to defence has landed him in hot water on more than one occasion, but he has been more disciplined of late - a change in style that has been welcomed by Graham Henry.

With ball in hand, the Hurricanes star is true to his heritage - a veritable master of the 'Samoan sidestep' who is happier to go through a defender rather than around him.

Collins made the New Zealand Secondary Schools side for two seasons running in 1997 and 1998 and was Player of the Tournament at the 1999 World Junior Championships, which New Zealand won.

He became one of the youngest players ever to captain a senior club team when he led Porirua's Northern United in 1999 at just 18 years of age before his All Blacks debut against Argentina followed in 2001.

A former rubbish collector for the Wellington City Council, Collins is a cousin of 2004 All Blacks captain Tana Umaga.