E-mail Article 
Print-Friendly Version 
Subscribe to RSS FeedReuben Thorne
Date of birth: 02/01/1975
Position: Flank
Test caps: 48
Test Debut: South Africa, 1999
Test Points: 25
Current Club: Canterbury
Strengths: Probably the most consistent player for New Zealand over the last eight years, Thorne just never seems to get injured. A natural leader, he has captained both Canterbury and the All Blacks and skippered the latter at the 2003 World Cup. This could prove crucial to New Zealand's World Cup bid, even from his expected position warming the bench, as his wealth of experience provides a calming influence on the squad. His ability to play either lock or loose forward makes him an ideal substitute for the tougher games.
Weaknesses: At the age of 32, Thorne no longer has the pace to consistently beat opponents to the breakdown. The fact that he has only played 48 Tests in eight years of international rugby also hints at the fact that he has never been a world superstar and his place in the 2007 World Cup squad was far from a given.
Likely headline(s): Reuben a Thorne in Italy's side
Did you know? Prior to 2007, Reuben Thorne had missed just five games for the Crusaders since his debut in 1996, amassing a record 121 caps for the club.
