KEY POINTS:
Ruben Wiki
The formidable front-rower has long been the face of the Kiwis, but the Tri-Nations final marked the end for the the most-capped international. And no mistake, he'll be missed, not only for his punishing work on the field but as the boss on the park.
A tough, no-nonsense figure to whom the words "backward" and "step" are incomprehensible, and one of the country's best promoters of kava, Wiki is a fine example of the follow-me-lads leadership style.
Stephen Fleming
Honours come with time, but you've still got to be darn good to get them. The New Zealand cricket captain since 1997, Fleming brought up one of his most notable tons when he played his 100th test, against South Africa at Centurion last April, becoming the first Kiwi to the mark. He hit 262 the next week, his third double-hundred, putting him alone among New Zealand batsmen. Now captaining NZ for the 79th time, he is second only to Allan Border (93) among test skippers.
Anna Richards
Age has not wearied the longtime Black Ferns first five-eighths. This year she was one of five players to win their third successive women's rugby World Cup, and at 41 she shows no signs of slowing down. The other four? Flanker Rochelle Martin, lock Monalisa Codling, second five-eighths Exis Edwards and hooker and just-retired Farah Palmer. Richards was also a finalist for the International Rugby Board's women's personality of the year.
Stacey Jones
The great playmaker came out of retirement for the Tri-Nations. And if anyone was wondering if he still had the spark, one magic moment against Australia in Melbourne gave the answer. His little dink over the top of the defensive line was grabbed by fullback Brent Webb and led to Iosia Soliola scoring a memorable try in the corner. Now he's gone for good. There have been some wonderful moments, for both Warriors and Kiwis, and he's certain of his place among the greats.
Hamish Carter
So close. The world title is the one crown to have eluded the Olympic triathlon champion, but he gave it a decent final lash in September, finishing second to Britain's Tim Don , 17s back. He's been to 15 world champs - 10 top 10 finishes, three on the podium - but now he's looking elsewhere. He won the Xterra multisport world title in Hawaii, and the Coast-to-Coast appeals. His place in our sports landscape is secure. Athens two years ago saw to that.