Hoeft - fierce prop. (Getty Images)
CARL HOEFT
Born: 13.11.74
Height: 6ft
Weight: 18st 1lb
Position: Prop
Club: Otago
Caps: 28
Points: 0
A fierce prop forward, Hoeft has represented New Zealand Schools, U19, U21 and the Rugby Academy, before making his All Blacks debut against England in June 1998.
He was then a regular in the side until 2002 but when former coach Wayne Smith was replaced by John Mitchell, he spent two years on the outer.
He fought back and returned to the All Black team at the beginning of the year, playing in the record win against Wales, but after being rested for the Test against France a week later, missed the Tri-Nations game against South Africa in Pretoria due to a torn abductor muscle.
He recovered from that injury, but just when it looked like he would be recalled to the squad to face the Springboks in Dunedin he damaged his calf muscle in training.
However he remains a key member of the All Blacks squad, although is unlikely to begin the World Cup Campaign in the starting line-up.
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