When it comes to All Blacks legends, Tony Woodcock might not be at the top of most people’s lists, but the veteran prop was an unsung hero behind New Zealand’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015. The prop was a stalwart of All Blacks teams for 13 years, making his debut in 2002.
He earned 118 caps, which puts him third on the all time list behind Richie McCaw and Keven Mealamu. He is also second on the list of most appearances made for the Auckland Blues, again just behind Mealamu.
Woodcock turns 35 today and bowed out in fine style by helping the All Blacks win last year’s World Cup, although injury robbed him of a place in the final.
In doing so he joined an elite list of just 20 players to have won the competition twice.
He scored New Zealand’s only try in the 2011 World Cup final against France.
1959: Chris Collinsworth, ex-NFL wide receiver turned announcer. Played entire career for Cincinatti Bengals. (57)
1972: Keith Wood, ex-Ireland rugby international captain who won 58 caps and also played for the B&I Lions (44).
1979: Daniel Vettori, ex-New Zealand cricket captain who retired in 2015. Youngest ever to play for Black Caps (37).
1980: Marat Safin, former Russian tennis player who won both the 2000 US Open and 2005 Australian Open (36).
