Andy Ellis

Andy Ellis. Photo / Getty Images

The bolter of the last World Cup squad, Andy Ellis got to France more by virtue of who he wasn't (Piri Weepu) than who he was.

When that campaign ended badly, Ellis was used as another example of how hubris had got to the All Black panel, how they ended up out-thinking themselves. This time, however, Ellis is there on merit.

Byron Kelleher left for France and Brendon Leonard's game never took off, leaving Ellis as the only halfback survivor from four years ago. In the intervening years Jimmy Cowan has emerged as Graham Henry's preferred first-choice No9 and Weepu has re-emerged.

Alby Mathewson has had a few opportunities, but few would argue that Ellis has not established himself as one of the best three No9s in the country.

His form for the Crusaders in 2011 was outstanding until he was injured late in the tournament, his most memorable performance being a wet-weather duel with Weepu in Wellington.

From that point on, his World Cup selection seemed assured, but it remains to be seen whether he can push his claims ahead of Cowan and Weepu for starts.

Along with Kieran Read and Israel Dagg, Ellis is also a keen cricketer. In another life, he is a landscape gardener, recently teaming up with former Canterbury halfback Danny Kamo to enter an exhibit in the Ellerslie Flower Show.

Ellis might be blessed with a baby face, but he still grew a moustache during this year's Super 15 campaign.

Position: Halfback
Tests: 21
Born: Feb 21, 1984, in Christchurch
Stats: 1.82m, 90kg

Canterbury and Crusaders