With Richie McCaw and Byron Kelleher playing their 50th tests this weekend, it’s a good time to draw attention to the huge percentage of the team that look to break their half century this year. In All Black history, only 24 players have done this. Three of them, Jack, Oliver, Howlett (four if you include Somerville) are in the team at the moment, and below is a list of 11 who will probably (or might) crack 50 this year.

Obviously this shows the large number of tests players are playing now. Muliaina only debuted in 2003! It also shows the level of experience in the current team, and the length of time they have been playing together. While some players like Muliaina and Rokocoko have churned through the tests since debut, some of these players have had to work for nearly a decade to make 50 tests – Kelleher, Thorne and last year Oliver. Even for the relative newcomers, it’s a long time to try to be at the top of your game, play with and against the best players in one of the most physical sports in the world and (I imagine the hardest thing for these guys) be in one of the most scrutinised positions in NZ. When I went to the All Black autograph signing session at St Lukes last week, I couldn't believe crowd that waited and screamed for them.

Byron Kelleher, in his interview on www.allblacks.com last week said that making 50 tests was a big deal to him because it was landmark that, to him, recognised all the sacrifices he made to get there and stay there. Regardless of what we think of players like Thorne and Kelleher, we can give credit when it’s due and congratulate them for doing something most of us (literally) only dream of.

Congratulations!
Player: Richie McCaw
Tests: 49

Player: Byron Kelleher
Tests: 49

Probably:
Player: Ali Williams
Tests: 41

Player: Keven Mealamu
Tests: 42

Player: Reuben Thorne
Tests: 46

Player: Josevata Rokocoko
Tests: 40

Player: Leon MacDonald
Tests: 44

Player: Malili Muliaina
Tests: 47

Maybe:
Player: Jerry Collins
Tests: 38

Player: Aaron Mauger
Tests: 39

Player: Carl Hayman
Tests: 36