David Kirk captained the team to victory and retired from rugby the same year. Photo / Nigel Marple
1. Andy Earl: 1986-92 (14 tests)
Earl's only appearance at the 1987 World Cup was as a No 8 against Argentina. After making his provincial rugby debut at 17, he now lives in Canterbury and works as a truck driver.
2. John Kirwan: 1984-94 (63 tests)
The giant winger scored one of
the great All Black tries against Italy, whom he would later coach. A difficult stint coaching the Blues ended this season and he has been working as a commentator for Italian television during the World Cup.
3. Albert Anderson: 1983-88 (6 tests)
Was one of the faces of the Steinlager "Stand by Me" advertisements that promoted the All Blacks' 1987 campaign. These days, Anderson farms in his hometown of Southbridge, Canterbury.
4. Gary Whetton: 1981-91 (58 tests)
Whetton replaced Buck Shelford as captain and led the All Blacks in their failed 1991 World Cup campaign. Now an insurance and financial adviser in Auckland.
5. Murray Pierce: 1984-90 (26 tests)
Wellington lock Murray Pierce lives in Waikanae and works in the financial services industry.
6. Alan Whetton: 1984-91 (35 tests)
Played with twin brother Gary in the tournament final. Had a coaching stint in Japan but has been back in Auckland for years and works in the transport industry.
7. Zinzan Brooke: 1987-97 (58 tests)
After ending his rugby career in England, Brooke started a property development business in the UK where he still lives. Has been sharing his views as a columnist for the Telegraph during the current Cup.
8. Wayne Shelford: 1985-90 (22 tests)
Has worked as a commentator for Maori Television and this year fronted a show aimed at getting men to "buck up" and take better care of their health. Also does motivational speaking.
9. Joe Stanley: 1986-91 (27 tests)
'Smokin' Joe' played in every All Blacks test at the 1987 tournament. Now runs a corporate hospitality business in Auckland with former netball star Julie Coney.
10. John Drake: 1985-87 (8 tests)
Died December 13, 2008, in Mt Maunganui, aged 49. Retired after just eight tests and a World Cup victory before exploring several business ventures. Drake also went on to work as a scrummaging adviser, a columnist for the Herald and a respected commentator for Sky Television.
11. John Gallagher: 1986-89 (18 tests)
Went to league in 1990 when defections were common. British press lauded him as the world's best player in 1989 but a few years later, his career was over. Is now a property consultant in London.
12. Michael Jones: 1987-98 (55 tests)
Had a statue unveiled in his glory outside Eden Park. The former Manu Samoa coach has involvement in education and various business interests, including Pure Pasifika which deals in shipping, commercial fishing and horticulture in the Pacific.
13. Richard Loe: 1986-95 (49 tests)
Played against Italy and Argentina in 1987 and was known to crack a smile after scoring tries, which was unusual for All Blacks -- especially forwards from Canterbury or Waikato. Still lives in Canterbury and is a newspaper columnist and sport radio host.
14. Bernie McCahill: 1987-91 (10 tests)
Once a rugby commentator for Sky Television, McCahill left the family drainlaying business in 2006 to focus on residential and commercial property. He now owns a half share in the 52 Jim's Mowing franchises in Auckland.
15. Kieran Crowley: 1983-91 (19 tests)
The Taranaki fullback and farmer got a start against Argentina but was a distant shadow to Gallagher. Crowley, who now lives in British Columbia, has been head coach of the Canadian team since 2008.
16. David Kirk (1987 Rugby World Cup captain): 1983-87 (17 tests)
Kirk had a short career, giving it away at the end of the 1987 season. Now an Australian citizen and living in Sydney after a prominent career in business there, Kirk maintains his local rugby ties as president of the Players' Association in New Zealand.
17. Grant Fox: 1984-93 (46 tests)
The metronomic and accurate goal kicker, Fox scored 126 points in the inaugural tournament. Nowadays, he is an All Blacks selector.
18. Warwick Taylor: 1983-88 (24 tests)
The second five-eighths went back to work as a PE teacher at Burnside High School in Christchurch at the end of the tournament. Still at Burnside, Taylor also provides radio comments for Crusaders and Canterbury games with Brian Ashby. His son Tom played his final match for Canterbury in the ITM Cup last weekend.
19. Mark Brooke-Cowden: 1986-87 (3 tests)
Had it tough in an excellent Auckland team of the mid to late 1980s with players such as Jones, Brooke and Alan Whetton around and went to UK league. Now lives with his wife and children in Pukekohe, where he works as a financial adviser.
20. Bruce Deans: 1987-89 (10 tests)
Brother of former Crusaders and Wallaby coach Robbie, Deans was ready for action at the 1987 World Cup but didn't get any. Became the No 1 All Black halfback the following year. Works on the family farm at Kilmarnock Station in North Canterbury.
21. Craig Green: 1983-87 (20 tests)
Packed his bags soon after the 1987 tournament and went to Italy, where he played for Treviso, whom he later coached. Also coached schoolboy rugby in Brisbane but returned to Italy to run their development programme.
22. Sir Brian Lochore: coach
Was instrumental in winning back the public's backing of the national side after the Cavaliers tour to South Africa in 1986 split loyalties. The 1995 World Cup campaign manager and an All Black selector in 2004-07, Sir Brian is in demand these days as a public speaker.
23. Sean Fitzpatrick: 1986-97 (92 tests)
With Andy Dalton injured, Fitzpatrick had his chance as the starting hooker and went on to own the position for more than a decade. Now living in the UK, Fitzpatrick is a respected rugby commentator and go-to man for the media.
24. Steve McDowall: 1985-92 (46 tests)
Part of a formidable Auckland front row, the former judoka had his name misspelt as McDowell for at least 20 years but never made a fuss about it. Spent four years with Romania as a high-performance trainer and then the assistant coach at the last World Cup before moving his family back to New Zealand.
25. Andy Dalton (captain): 1977-85 (35 tests)
A hamstring injury meant he never enjoyed any game time at the 1987 tournament but Dalton did have the honour of holding the World Cup aloft with Kirk after the final. Returned to farming in South Auckland before he became president of the New Zealand Rugby Union in 1991. Has been the chief executive of the Auckland Rugby Union since 2005.
26. Frano Botica: 1986-89 (7 tests)
Unlucky to be benched through the tournament, particularly when the All Blacks played minnows, Botica went to league in 1990. He is involved in club rugby coaching in Auckland and works in real estate.
27. Terry Wright: 1986-92 (30 tests)
At a playing weight of 79kg, Wright really did play in an era where rugby was a game for all sizes. Has lived outside of New Zealand for years, mainly in Hong Kong and Singapore, while his wife Lindsay continues her prominent career in business development and strategy.
Former All Blacks' frustrations began before he coached his first All Blacks test.