One of the most prolific try-scoring forwards the game has known and a pioneering specialist in the blindside position.

In only his second test Ian Kirkpatrick scored a hat-trick of tries off the bench against Australia and from then on remained a stalwart of the team, winning 39 caps from 1967-77. His 16 tries stood as a national record until Stu Wilson surpassed the figure in 1983.

In 1972, with Colin Meads affected by injuries and others such as Brian Lochore retired, he became the All Black captain. He held the post for two seasons.

Kirkpatrick was equally prolific for Poverty Bay and Canterbury, amassing 115 tries in 289 first-class games until his retirement from all rugby early in the 1979 season.

In 1986 he managed the New Zealand Cavaliers when they made their unauthorised tour of South Africa. In more recent times, he has mentored various All Black sides.