As the nation holds its breath for the final showdown between the All Blacks and the Wallabies on Sunday, we take a look back through the years at one of our team’s most iconic players.
After an injury tragically ruled him out of the final stages of the All Blacks’ victorious 2011 Rugby World Cup run, Sunday’s game will be Dan’s last chance to bring the Webb Ellis Cup back home to New Zealand – and what a fitting end that would be to this Southlander’s stellar NZ rugby career!
From his debut with the Crusaders in 2003 at just 21 years of age, to his stellar performance throughout this year’s World Cup games, Dan has proven to be an essential part of the All Blacks’ formula for success. As the team prepares to face our foes from across the ditch on Sunday, we take a look back at his moments both on and off the field.
July 2005: Dan charges ahead followed by Keven Mealamu during a game against the British and Irish Lions at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium. Photo: Getty
July 2006: Dan takes a moment to focus during a Tri Nations showdown against Australia. Photo: Getty
August 2006: Dan gets a congratulatory pat on the head from coach Graham Henry after the All Blacks’ victory against South Africa in the Tri-Nations. Photo: Getty
December 2006: Dan strikes a pose with Honor at the NZ Rugby Awards. Photo: Getty
October 2011: Dan and Graham wave to the crowds during the All Blacks’ victory parade in Christchurch. Photo: Getty
June 2012: Dan sprints across the field during a match against Ireland at Auckland’s Eden Park. Photo: Getty
August 2012: Dan holds up the Bledisloe Cup after the game.
November 2012: Dan shakes hands with Prince William after playing a match against Wales in Cardiff. Photo: Getty
March 2014: Dan and Honor attend the Laureus World Sports Awards in Malaysia. Photo: Getty
November 2014: Dan takes a break after playing a test match against the US. Photo: Getty
August 2015: Dan and Richie McCaw sit side-by-side as Dan holds onto the Bledisloe Cup, after the All Blacks defeated the Wallabies in Auckland’s Eden Park. Photo: Getty
August 2015: Dan and Kieran Read are captured mid-haka. Photo: Getty
October 2015: Dan keeps a close grip on the ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match against Georgia. Photo: Getty
October 2015: Dan in action during the All Blacks’ game against Tonga in Newcastle. Photo: Getty
October 2015: Dan in action against France. Photo: Getty
October 2015: Dan lines up a kick during the semi-final game against South Africa. Photo: Getty
September 2015: Dan jokes around with Nehe Milner-Skudder and TJ Perenara during a training session. Photo: Getty
September 2015: Dan signs a rugby ball for a young fan during an adidas event at Twickenham Stoop in London. Photo: Getty
