Meet The All Blacks
DOUG HOWLETT
Position: Wing
Age: 24
Place of birth: Auckland
Test debut: June 16, 2000 v Tonga
Tests: 23
Points: 75 (15T)
Height: 6′ 0″
Weight: 14st 4lb
One of the fastest players in the game, Howlett burst on to the scene in his debut against Tonga two years ago.
Coming on as a secod-half replacement, Howlett scored within 20 seconds – probably the fastest try of any player’s Test career. He added another in the 102-0 win and has a classy record of 15 tries in 23 Tests.
The former track sprinter has the pace to evade most defences and the power to break tackles.
After his performance against England a fortnight ago, including a try that made brilliant fullback Jason Robinson look pedestrian, commentators are calling Howlett the No 1 winger in Test rugby.
Howlett was selected for Auckland while still at school and is the youngest ever Super 12 player, scoring a hat-trick of tries for the Otago Highlanders against the Waratahs on his debut. He has since shifted to the Auckland Blues.