Mealamu - former flanker. (Getty Images)
KEVIN MEALAMU
Born: 20.03.79
Height: 5ft 9in
Weight: 15st 4in
Position: Hooker
Club: Auckland
Caps: 8
Points: 5
A former New Zealand U16 and Schoolboy representative, Mealamu is a former flanker who decided to switch to the hooking role in 1998.
It turned out to be a profitable switch, as two years later he was touring with the New Zealand A team.
After three seasons with the Auckland Blues, Mealamu spent the 2002 season with the Waikato Chiefs, and by the time he returned to the Blues this season he had made his All Black debut against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in November.
A dynamic player, Mealamu pops up all over the field and seems likely to get the nod as starting hooker for the All Blacks in their opening game of the World Cup.
Will need to remain on his game to keep Mark Hammett out of the side.
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