Victor Vito

Victor Vito in action for the All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images

In a bolter-free World Cup squad, Vito was probably the closest to a surprise selection, though he already has seven test caps.

Vito's selection came after quality ITM Cup outings in a young and often overwhelmed Wellington side, but was mainly due to the selectors losing total faith in Liam Messam's ability to play as an international No 8.

Vito is not a lot bigger than Messam but he is somehow more physically imposing. His speed off the scrum makes him tough to stop before the advantage line, all important in knockout rugby when games are won in inches.

He has a spectacular skillset for a forward, but that has rarely been seen at test level, where he has tended to play within himself.

Injuries and defeat at Suncorp Stadium have opened the way for Vito to get plenty of game time in the pool matches. By the time Kieran Read and Adam Thomson return, he could have the bench spot secured.

An outstanding leaper, Vito has back and - at a pinch - middle of the lineout ability.

He is a product of Scots College and was long touted for stardom, winning the IRB under-19 player of the year for 2006. He has also come through Gordon Tietjens' school of sevens.

Admirers of Vito's bone structure will be pleased to note that at the time of writing he was described on his Wikipedia page as "rugby player/male model".

* Position: Loose forward

* Tests: 8

* Born: March 27, 1987, in Wellington

* Stats: 1.92m, 109kg

* Teams: Wellington and Hurricanes