[1999-2000 Season] Injury has plagued Blair Pocock's international career. After just six Tests for New Zealand he was required to undergo surgery for a shoulder problem which forced him to withdraw from international selection for more than a year. His place was taken by Bryan Young and Pocock struggled to make his way back. Eventually he was able to force his way back for the Bank of New Zealand Test series against England and Sri Lanka in early 1997. Unfortunately a broken toe followed by a broken thumb saw Pocock sidelined for much of 1998 and in his absence Matt Horne was successfully introduced as a Test opener. The other opening position remains up for grabs, however, as the selectors have tried Young, Matthew Bell and Roger Twose. As Auckland captain, Pocock will know the preferences of new coach David Trist and will be hoping to force his way back into the Test side this summer.