Aaron Mauger made his international reputation as a second five eighths although he played most of his rugby until he joined the Crusaders, one place closer to the action.
With Andrew Mehrtens then Daniel Carter taking up the duties of backline pivot at Super rugby and test level, Mauger wasable to offer another set of guiding eyes and organisational talent further out.
He had enough size to cope with the midfield mayhem and a collection of skills and rugby antennae which gave his teams an extra set guidance.
Those gifts were not enough for him to shoot for some World Cup success as he was pitched out in the '03 semifinal defeat and did not make the bench for the next tournament.
That decision felt strange especially as Carter was favouring his leg while there was a lack of intellectual clout on the bench. As that '07 quarterfinal limped to a sorry defeat, the sight of Mauger sitting near a stunned group of subbed players was an interesting juxtaposition.
Mauger was only 27 when he left after that tournament to play for Leicester. He liked his stories and his beer but Mauger was also happy to be in the backrow when it came to offering public discourse about the All Blacks.
However since he returned from his playing career he has moved into a coaching role with the Crusaders. His impact will be studied closely as he works with newer backline members to create more variety in the side's patterns.
Statistics Date of birth: 29 November 1980 Position: Second five-eighth Matches: 46 Tests: 45 Test debut: 17 November 2001 v Ireland, Dublin Last test: 29 September 2007 v Romania, Toulouse Province: Canterbury Franchise: Crusaders Test tries: 13 Test points: 90
