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EVAN PEGDEN
Tawera Kerr-Barlow was born in Melbourne and grew up in Darwin, but he has unwaveringly wanted to be an All Black since the age of 3.
Yesterday the 22-year-old finally got his wish.
Named as one of three halfbacks in the All Blacks' 32-man squad to tour Europe for a month, leaving on Thursday, Kerr-Barlow last night celebrated with his mother Gail, who is on a 48-hour visit from Darwin, and his extended family in Hamilton.
"I've probably wanted to be an All Black before I can even remember - ever since I went down and watched mum play rugby," Kerr-Barlow said.
"Mum and dad have always been Kiwis even though they lived up north in the [Northern] Territory and for as long as I can remember I've always wanted to play rugby for New Zealand and in New Zealand.
"My dream's come true and now I'm going to have to work hard to get an opportunity to play and hopefully be a good All Black as well."
Kerr-Barlow, who was given no heads-up from the national selectors, and his mother found out about his selection through texts from friends.
"We didn't have a computer at home and mum and I were watching for it on the tele but all that was on was infomercials so we found out from everybody else," he said.
"But it didn't matter to me, it was just great to be named in the All Blacks side and hopefully I can work hard enough over there to get the opportunity to put on the jumper."
Kerr-Barlow, who first came to New Zealand as a 13-year-old boarder at Hamilton Boys' High School, took his chances earlier this year for the Chiefs when fellow halfback Brendon Leonard was injured and he was named in a wider All Blacks training group.
But he struggled to get into the same form for Waikato in the ITM Cup following the hangover of the Super Rugby success, not helped by a hamstring injury.
"But there was no point fretting about it. Obviously I wanted to play well and you need to be up to full fitness to do that but everything came right in the end and I guess the selectors have shown a bit of confidence in me to pick me in the side and I'll try and do right by them."
He aims to train the house down on tour and try and force his way past test incumbents Aaron Smith and Piri Weepu to get a start in at least one of the four scheduled tests against Scotland, Italy, Wales and England.
"I'll be going hammer and tongs and still trying to soak up everything I can from the other two blokes, who have done really well securing the Bledisloe [Cup] and the [Rugby Championship].
"It will be a lot to ask but I'm up for the challenge and really looking forward to it," he said.
Kerr-Barlow was keen to thank all those who had helped along the way, including school, club and representative coaches, fellow players and supporters.
He reserved special thanks for Leonard, who mentored him at high school before he himself made the All Blacks. "He's been a great help to me and it's turned out to be a great friendship between us as well and I've got a lot of respect for the bloke and couldn't be more thankful."
Kerr-Barlow, who headed off Canterbury's Andy Ellis for the spot, was one of two new All Blacks named in the tour group alongside Wellington hooker Dane Coles, who nudged out Chiefs rake Hika Elliot.
He joins fellow Waikato and Hautapu player Liam Messam in the squad, along with their fellow Chiefs Aaron Cruden, Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick.
HOW THEY LINE UP
All Blacks squad: Forwards: Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Ali Williams, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Richie McCaw, Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Adam Thomson, Victor Vito. Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Smith, Piri Weepu, Beauden Barrett, Daniel Carter, Aaron Cruden, Tamati Ellison, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg, Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Ben Smith.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/a...ted-ABs-jersey
So Mr Hanson, when are going to stop poaching our players and start breeding your own, you bloody hypocrite
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Originally Posted by The InnFORCEr
