Woodcock is a product of the New Zealand age-group system having spent a year in the Under-16s, two years in the New Zealand Under-19 side and three with the New Zealand Under-21s.

He has long loomed as an potential international after making the New Zealand Under-21 side for three straight years. That potential was possibly realised a little earlier than expected when Woodcock was selected for the All Blacks 2002 tour where he debuted against Wales.

He was one of six members of New Zealand's Junior World Cup winning Under-19 side from Wales in 1999 to make the All Blacks - alongside Jerry Collins, Aaron Mauger, Richard McCaw, Malili Muliaina and Bradley Mika.

One of the big improvers of 2004, Woodcock grabbed his chance to stand up and be counted in the end-of-year Test victory over France, proving a valuable member of a dominant front row.

Woodcock has spent the last two seasons in the No 1 jersey for the Blues and North Harbour, and his battle with Saimone Taumoepeau will only be good for the Blues and All Blacks.