Joined in March 2003, Shark bleeds red and black, and has had many a stoush with those who do not (read, 90% of the forum members).  Despite that handicap, He does now and then come up with the odd gem worth taking note of...

Forum member number:  101

Describe yourself in 25 words or less:  Flawed. Really, really badly flawed.

What international rugby team do you support and why?  All Blacks. Because I'm a very proud Kiwi and lack of RWC silverware aside, we are and nearly always have been the best side in the world. I'll raise the old Brazilian football chestnut: not current world champs, but I mean, do we really think Italy are the best football nation in the world? 

What Super 14 team do you support and why?  The Crusaders. Blessed with having spent most of my life in Churchur, since 1994 it's been a largely joyful experience being a Canterbury and Crusaders fan. I still have a major soft spot for Otago and the Highlanders though, having been born in Dunners, and it can be difficult watching the two go at it still.

What's the biggest challenge facing rugby?  Creating and maintaining excitement over the international game, S14 and Air NZ Cup. The biggest issue behind this? Keeping star players in NZ.

Who was the game's greatest ever player?  Tough one. Scott Hamilton. Shayne Philpott could have been great too, had it not been for a distinct lack of pace and ability. Mark Carter. Take your pick. (OK, in all seriousness, I've seen few guys influence games like Zinny could, but I think DC will wind up as the greatest ever).

How about non-NZ players?  Who were/are the greatest? Matt Dunning, Danny Grewcock, Percy at centre...ok ok...I'll have to go for a couple of locks - Eales and Johnson.

The best match you have ever seen?  Live? Otago beating the Lions in '93, followed by Canterbury's win over Auckland in the 1997 NPC semi - the euphoria was immense and the atmosphere intense (apologies to Counties who we were to meet in the final, but we knew we had it after despatching Auckland). All up, the best I've seen would be the series clincher in SA in 1996...in fact any of those first three test matches in SA in 1996. Very emotional.

The best try you have ever seen?  Kieran Crowleys' chip and regather on the full vs Scotland in 1990. That spun my wheels straight away and became the way I always wanted to score most myself - I practiced it for hours on my own in the front yard and at the park. Never did it in a game though.

What position did you play, if you played, in rugby?  At school I fancied myself as a first-five as my best skill was kicking, followed by passing, and in those days first-fives (thanks to Foxy) weren't even expected to tackle so it looked easy. After getting my arse handed to me in 1st XV trials, I found myself a fullback/winger in the 6th - yes 6th - XV. Good fun though. I played for a social side at Marist Albion a few years later after 'filling out' and wound up at openside flanker without a clue, then out on the wing, and filling in at halfback and first-five.

What do you like about the Silverfern?  A healthy debate. Fresh perspectives. Getting the nitty gritty on things like first provincial squads of the season, that you wouldn't find in the local paper or online. Gossip.

Who's your favourite poster?  Mr Mike is the funniest but doesn't seem to get credit for it. Most guys know a thing or two.

Who's the worst poster?  I've had good stoushes with a few, some more than once (Mojo is the only one I can think of off hand), and while people can get wound up, at the end of the day it's good fun. I don't hold grudges and even the 'worst' poster can come out with intelligent or insightful comment occasionally, but the Mingster is the most likely to spout utter bollocks without thinking!

How did you pick your user name? Pre-season training in 1998. I have a larger than normal appendage (ok, my nose), and was doing backstroke in the pool. One of the clowns in our team decided my schnoz looked like a dorsal fin and all of a sudden I was Shark, or Sharkie.

How could the game of rugby be improved?  Retain some players in NZ. Buggered if I know how though.

What rugby player would you turn gay for?  If the most attractive female rugby player there has been is Melodie Robinson, then Mehrts.

Non-rugby questions now

Favourite music?  80's synth pop, Violent Femmes, The Police, Roxy Music, electro/house/dance (eg almost anything on Ministry of House CDs), some top 40.

Favourite book?  Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain, many rugby and cricket (auto)biographies.

Favourite Film?  Star Wars IV, V and VI. LOTR trilogy. Most Adam Sandler/Ben Stiller/Wayans Bros/Rob Schneider comedy, Heat, Good Will Hunting

Biggest lifetime regret?   A couple of great girls that got away. I should have used better quality rohypnol.

Greatest hope:  $100k pa, national and international travel in a role in the near future. But more importantly, good health for my family, friends and myself and plenty more laughs along the way.