Howlett - crucial to the Kiwis. (Getty Images)
DOUG HOWLETT
Born: 21.09.78
Height: 6ft 1in
Weight: 14st 5lb
Position: Wing/Full-back
Club: Auckland
Caps: 31
Points: 120
An absolute speed merchant, Howlett has already crossed for 24 tries in just 31 appearances for the All Blacks.
He went over for three tries on his full Super 12 debut, has never looked back and is now probably regarded as the best winger in world rugby.
A former schoolboy sprint star, he won national school titles in the 100m and 100m hurdles, then claimed the national under-20 100m title in 1997 in an impressive 10.76 seconds.
Although he hasn't ruled out a return to athletics Howlett, who turns 25 just before the World Cup gets under way, still has plenty of time left and could go on to form one of the best-ever wing partnerships with Auckland team-mate Joe Rokocoko.
His older brother, Phil, played more than 100 games in the Australian NRL competition.
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