Try-less Franks to reach Test milestone

In a perfect world, All Blacks prop Owen Franks would crash over for a try in his 100th Test.

The chances are he won't though.

Despite racking up 99 Tests with the world's best attacking team, burly tighthead Franks has failed to trouble the scorers.

The 30-year-old gets another crack against Australia at Eden Park on Saturday to end rugby's longest career without registering a point.

Other All Blacks aren't holding their breath.

Lock Scott Barrett - possibly wanting to raise his teammate's spirits - reckoned Franks could claim to have set up countless teammates with his graft in the tight.

"And he might have got a penalty try from a scrum over the years, and that probably counts more for him than dotting down himself," Barrett said.

Among the 403 New Zealand tries during Tests involving Franks, only one was a pushover penalty try.

It came against Australia in a 52-10 win at Eden Park nearly four years ago to the day, while Wallabies prop Rob Simmons was in the sin bin.

Barrett said Franks was the cornerstone of the success enjoyed not only the All Blacks but by Super Rugby kingpins the Crusaders.

"Tighthead is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, position to play," Barrett said.

"He's the biggest professional in this team I feel. He sets the example, and is huge for this team."

The next most-capped scoreless player in Test rugby is Wallabies prop James Slipper, on 86 caps.

Of Test rugby's 54 centurions, the lowest-scorers are all props.

England great Jason Leonard crossed the chalk just once while John Hayes (Ireland) and Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa) bagged two tries each.

MOST TESTS FOR NO TRIES

99 - Owen Franks (NZ)

86 - James Slipper (Australia)

83 - Salvatore Perugini (Italy)

74 - Luke Charteris (Wales)

67 - Quinten Geldenhuys (Italy)