Inside Info

CANTERBURY'S ALL BLACKS KEEN TO WEAR RED & BLACK...

The All Blacks are having a deserved rest following their magnificent Tri Nations win over South Africa recently which clinched them the title but the Canterbury boys can’t wait to don the Red and Black again.
A day after the All Blacks arrived back in New Zealand, prop Owen Franks was running around with the Canterbury team putting in his trademark big hits in training. Look for him to take the field for Canterbury in the near future, along with hooker Corey Flynn and lock Sam Whitelock.

First-five Dan Carter has had an ankle operation which will put him out of action for eight weeks, but lock Brad Thorn is understood to be keen to play for Canterbury and hopefully we’ll see our other ABs Richie McCaw and Kieran Read on the field too.

A FUNNY INCIDENT...

After Canterbury training on Monday, centre Robbie Fruean was being interviewed by a TV crew and his interest in Zumba (a dance-fitness craze taking the world by storm, in case you didn’t know) was being talked about by the interviewer. Robbie’s team-mates Paul Ngauamo and Colin Slade were in close attendance and Paul was put on the spot when asked to sing a song that Robbie could dance to. What did he come up with? “Raindrops keep falling on my head.” A tough one to dance Zumba to, as you can imagine.

“Slade put me off,” was Paul’s defence!

INTRODUCING... PATRICK OSBORNE

If you happened to be watching Canterbury’s match v Hawke’s Bay last week and wondered about the new winger in the No.14 jersey who charged into the opposition without any thought to his personal safety, it was Patrick Osborne.

Patrick, who plays for the University club, was born in Fiji and has a history in sevens. Asked about his selection to the Canterbury squad this season, he said: “I’m pretty stoked. “It was a surprise. I’ve had a few injuries this season, especially to my knees, and so I’ve missed a few games for University.”

Patrick (23) arrived in Christchurch from Suva, Fiji in November last year. He has been part of Canterbury’s Meridian Academy that has produced so many quality players. “It’s been really good,” Patrick says, “and I’ve learnt a lot from the coaches and the other players.”

As you might expect, residing in Christchurch in winter has been something of a culture shock for a player more used to the hot sunny climate of Fiji.  “I’ve really enjoyed it so far, although it has been cold,” he laughs again, “certainly colder than home.”

Unfortunately, Patrick hurt his hip in the match against Hawke’s Bay, but shouldn’t be on the sidelines for too long.