9 - Jimmy Cowan
There was a time when I would not have dreamed of considering Jimmy Cowan an automatic selection for the All Blacks.
As a halfback, I thought his pass was only serviceable, his running game non-existent and his generalship questionable.
And as a person, while he was a likeable sort, his brushes with the law and drinking issues made me wonder if he was going to simply fade away, the Justin Marshall lookalike who was about a tenth as talented and committed.
But Jimmy changed, and my opinion did too.
On the field, he peeled off a series of inspiring performances for the Highlanders and Southland.
And off it, he sobered up - literally and metaphorically - proving to the patient All Black coaches that their faith was not misplaced.
He's still an interesting case, Jimmy. He doesn't have the class of Fourie du Preez, the sizzling running ability of Will Genia, or even the exciting package of skills of closest rival Piri Weepu.
But he's tough. He's experienced. His pass is OK. His kicking game is superb. And he is, without question, the greatest defensive halfback the game has ever seen.
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