Mealamu burst into the international scene during the 2002 end-of-year tour of the UK.

Although not the biggest hooker in world rugby, he more than makes up for any perceived size deficiency with an energetic robust approach that invariably sees him pop up all over the field.

An accurate line-out thrower, Mealamu is always a threat with ball in hand and often causes headaches for defensive lines.

Mealamu offers to the All Blacks what no other hooker in the country can – an authentic fourth loose forward – and the fast-paced ruck-and-run rugby of the Blues is tailor-made for Mealamu's skill set.

He started out as a flanker, from where he made the New Zealand Under-16 side in 1995 and New Zealand Schools in 1996, but switched to Hooker in 1998 after missing New Zealand Schools selection in 1997.

It can be hard to associate the nice guy off the field with the brutal hard-hitting hooker on it.