Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains is touting the late Norm Hewitt as one of New Zealand rugby's greats.

The nine-test hooker has died aged 55 after a battle with motor neurone disease, having played 23 games for New Zealand between 1993 and 1998.

After issues with alcohol abuse, Hewitt became an anti-violence ambassador and public speaker.

Mains says when he first selected Hewitt he was a bit of a 'larrikin'.

"I'd have to speak to him quite sternly - and he took that on board and into the team. Immediately, he showed not only good performance on the rugby field, but also he took a real turn in his personal behaviour."

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