Richard Kahui's career to date has followed a cruel pattern - just when he seems to be getting established, he injures himself.
Since his debut against England in 2008, Kahui has managed just 12 caps as his body, in particular his shoulders, has rebelled. He has endured three lengthy lay-offswith shoulder injuries, including a six-month spell on the sidelines last year following season-ending surgery.
It looked as though injury would again get the better of him this season, with the big centre suffering a hamstring strain in the lead-up to the first test of the year against Fiji.
That set Kahui back a month, leaving him with just one game - last month's Tri-Nations test against South Africa - to convince the All Blacks selectors he was worthy of a spot in the World Cup squad. Kahui was one of the better players in a frustrating backline performance in Port Elizabeth, scoring the game's only try in the 18-5 loss.
While his career has been stalled by injury, his performances in the black jersey in 2008 gave a glimpse of his star potential. He scored a try on debut against England and, during the Tri-Nations, he played out of the position, as a winger, with little trepidation. When he finally did get his chance as the number 13 against Scotland and Wales on the end-year tour, he played with self-assurance and maturity that defied his years.
But with matinee idol good looks, the All Blacks hunk is showered with frolicsome accolades that can overshadow his playing ability. His Facebook fan page has hordes of comments on his good looks - Martha writes: "OMG hottie alert", while Amy says "He is sooooooo beautiful" and so on.
It just goes to show rugby can be played by beautiful people.
