- Mils Muliaina was the second All Blacks player to reach the 100 Test match milestone for New Zealand.
- The fullback got his All Blacks call-up in 2003 against England.
- Muliaina played in three Rugby World Cups during his nine-year career.
In the lead-up to the 10th instalment of the Rugby World Cup, to be held in France, News24 spoke to All Black Mils Muliaina to get his views on the current state of the game, his previous World Cup journey and who he thinks will take the coveted trophy home on Saturday, 28 October.
Samoan-born Junior Malili Muliaina, better known as Mils, rose through the ranks of New Zealand rugby to become a regular starter for the All Blacks.
The dynamic fullback started his professional career on the sevens circuit, winning multiple titles, including gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2002.
His impeccable form led to his first call-up to the All Blacks 15-man squad the following year. Muliaina started on the bench against England at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. The All Blacks lost that game 15-13, but it would be the start of an illustrious career for the All Blacks veteran.
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That same year, Muliaina was included in the New Zealand 2003 Rugby World Cup squad, finishing as the competition's top try-scorer, alongside his teammate Doug Howlett, scoring seven tries.
Muliaina was part of the All Blacks' whitewash during the 2005 British and Irish Lions Test series. This was an era that saw New Zealand dominate world rugby. The All Blacks went on to win several Tri-Nation championships until 2008.
Speaking to News24 Sport senior journalist Khanyiso Tshwaku on Winners Circle, Muliaina reflected on the All Blacks' success over the years. The paceman said there were some tough times during this period. Players were trying to adapt to different coaching styles, and there was pressure to make the Test team's starting line-up.
There was an aim to make the starting 15 and create two or three Test teams that can play the same style and not lose too much, especially in Test matches.
The fullback played in three Rugby World Cups during his nine-year career, winning the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
He earned his 100th test cap during the tournament in his team's clash against Argentina, becoming only the second New Zealand player to reach this milestone. This would also be his last game after a shoulder injury ended his international career.
As the 2023 Rugby World Cup draws closer, the backline player shared his views on New Zealand's Southern Hemisphere rivals, South Africa. He gave World Cup debutant Manie Libbok the nod to steer the midfield with his attacking prowess.
Muliaina also shared his thoughts on Steve Hansen, the All Blacks' World Cup-winning coach, being roped in to assist Australian coach Eddie Jones.
As teams make their way to France for the most remarkable rugby showcase of the year, there is no doubt who the former All Blacks player will be rooting for come Friday, 8 September.
"I'm hoping that a Southern Hemisphere team wins and that their jerseys are black, and so are their shorts."
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