NZ's legendary sporting leaders

* Dave Gallaher: The first leader of our national team, Gallaher captained the All Blacks on the Originals tour to Britain and France in 1905. His reputation was that of a stern taskmaster, but he was a tactically astute footballer who pioneered the old wing forward role. Killed in World War I.

* Sir Edmund Hillary: Broke fresh ground in 1953 when he scaled Mt Everest. In doing so, he inspired, and still inspires, generations of climbers. Also responsible for one of those immortal Kiwi expressions upon his return: "We knocked the bastard off." New Zealand's most famous person.

* Sir Brian Lochore: Player, captain, selector, respected allround rugby man. Lochore, having captained the All Blacks from 1966 to 1970, coached the inaugural winners of the World Cup in 1987 and is now back providing an experienced pair of eyes on the selection panel. Hugely respected figure.

* Ron Elvidge: Became part of New Zealand sporting folklore when he led the All Blacks for the ninth and final time in the third test against the Lions at Athletic Park in 1950. After severely injuring his collar-bone in the first half, the second five-eighth returned as a makeshift winger only to become the hero of the day when he plunged across for the winning try in the 6-3 series-clinching victory. It was his last test.

* Sean Fitzpatrick: Not in here for any specific game, rather his longevity as All Black captain. He started in ordinary fashion against the World XV in 1992, but became the most capped All Black with an unmatched record for durability.

* Lois Muir: The first lady of New Zealand netball, Muir played for her country at the 1963 world championships, but her real fame lies in her coaching of the Silver Ferns. She was a firm-minded coach who demanded high standards. Muir was in charge when New Zealand shared the 1979 world championships title, then won it outright in 1987. She coached New Zealand in 102 internationals and retired from National Bank Cup duty with the Otago Rebels only last year.

* Steve Sumner: The dashing, combative midfielder was the inspiring presence in the All Whites team on their way to their only appearance at soccer's World Cup finals in Spain in 1982. With the rakish moustache, powerful running and tackling and with his considerable goalscoring feats, Sumner epitomised the follow-me-lads type of leadership.

* Sir Peter Blake: New Zealand's drive for the America's Cup in the 1990s will, in years to come, best be remembered for the tall bloke with the windswept blond mane who provided the leadership as the Auld Mug was first won, in San Diego in 1995, then retained in Auckland five years later. He looked and sounded like a leader, and he wore those red socks.

* Arthur Lydiard: Inspired some of New Zealand athletics' most famous deeds, including the Olympic medal successes of Sir Murray Halberg, Peter Snell, Barry Magee and John Davies. Regarded as the worldwide founder of jogging. A coach who did not suffer fools, he died in the United States in December, 2004, on a lecture tour.

* Bruce McLaren: The Aucklander was an innovative and immensely respected pioneer in Formula One motor racing. How respected? One of the most successful teams in F1 bears his name. Nuff said.