It is apparent that players of Pacific Island heritage add a lot to our national game. It is also apparent that they provide specific skills, and tend to dominate certain positions in our game. These players are generally more explosive and instinctive and often provide more strength. It's a sensitive subject to classify players in this way. But the facts reinforce these differences. We've looked at the numbers. Of all of the All Black players used in the wing position since professionalism 42% have come from an Island heritage. Yet, at halfback or first-five this rate is about 6%....

All Black George Smith held many NZ sprint records, as well as an unofficial world record for the 440 yard hurdles. It has been alleged, but not proven, that before his rugby career, in 1894, he was also a winning jockey in the NZ Cup. He ended his career by joining the All Golds league team.