Curtain Up On A New Stage For Waldrom
Filed Under Country Curtain | Posted on November 17, 2008
Written by John Breen, it tells the story of Munster’s historic 12-0 win against the All Blacks at Thomond Park.
They are excited about tomorrow’s rematch and, though few are expecting a repeat upset especially as Munster will be missing their international players the All Blacks are wary.
Scott Waldrom, who will make his All Blacks debut at openside flanker, revealed the players had been talking about the 30-year anniversary of the defeat.
“Straight after the Irish test, Wayne Smith said he was looking forward to getting one back on Munster.
“There’s definitely a keenness to not let it happen again and give them something else to make another play about, that’s for sure.”
Injury replacements Hika Elliot and halfback Alby Mathewson, who are on the bench tomorrow, will also get their first games if they come on.
“I got my hopes up that I might have got a run against Scotland, so it was a bit disappointing to miss out there.
“But to finally get out on the track is good. You don’t want to be on tour and not get a game.”
Waldrom was also pleased to have put away the tackle shields, even if it’s only a brief respite, as tomorrow’s match could be his only appearance on tour.
Last week was tough on the players outside the test 22, as the All Blacks geared up to play Ireland.
“We got quite a hard working-over by the starting XV when they were practising their defence.”
But Waldrom was not complaining. Though he has played for a myriad teams that include Taranaki, Wellington, the Hurricanes, New Zealand Maori and Sevens, being part of the All Blacks has been different.
“It’s definitely been eye-opening to what it’s like in the All Black environment.
“To learn how things work with them it’s definitely a step up in expectations.”
Tomorrow’s match will be his first since the All Blacks’ practice game a week before they flew to Hong Kong last month, but there are no concerns about the lack of match play.
“The hype and excitement of playing for the All Blacks is going to push all that aside.
“I’ll be running around like a madman for 80 minutes and hoping the final whistle never blows so I don’t have to take my jersey off.”
Tags: alby, asid, bench, flanker, halfback, hurricanes, hype, irish test, keenness, match, mathewson, munster, new zealand maori, practice game, replacements, respite, shields, taranaki, wayne smith, wellingtonRelated posts
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