Tuipulotu’s emotional return
If you were impressed by Patrick Tuipulotu’s cameo last week, wait till he is let loose at Eden Park on Saturday.
Turbulent doesn’t do justice to Tuipulotu’s start to this season.
The All Blacks lock has been put through the wringer; sent home from the All Blacks’ end-ofyear tour following a positive doping test, only to be cleared two months later by his B sample.
Somewhere along the line a mistake appears to have been made, though no-one yet has accepted responsibility.
During his provisional suspension he was forced to train by himself, largely on the outer of the team, and made to wait from November 12 to March 3 for his onfield return to the Blues.
Last week in Hamilton that wait finally ended; all the frustration and nervous energy came bubbling to the surface as he got the call up mid-way through the second half against the Chiefs. It was a feeling he had never experienced before.
‘‘When they told me to warm up I didn’t know what to do with myself,’’ Tuipulotu said. ‘‘I was quite erratic; just wanting to get on. The over-riding factor was just happy to be back.’’
In 28 minutes Tuipulotu made six carries, scored a try and generally smashed into everything. His contribution was unmissable.
‘‘I said to myself I would be fine training by myself but coming back into the environment it lifted me up. I was happy to come back and play with my mates again.
‘‘I’m not taking my opportunities for granted now. It opened up my eyes, especially to life after rugby. It gave me some time to think about that and get a head start on that aspect of my life.’’
Back in the starting team this week against the Highlanders, alongside fellow recalled All Blacks Jerome Kaino, Charlie Faumuina and George Moala, Tuipulotu expects to harness similar sentiments after the turmoil of worrying his career was in tatters.
‘‘I always love playing at Eden Park. Warming up will be quite emotional for me because it has been so long since I played at home. My friends and family have already asked for heaps of tickets maybe 30 or 40 of them.’’
It sure has been some ride. Now, having cleared his name, all going to plan in just over three months Tuipulotu can look forward to pulling on the black jersey when the British and Irish Lions arrive.
‘‘I’m putting my time and effort
into now but the Lions tour is just around the corner. That’s in the back of my mind.’’
Tuipulotu’s powerful presence will play a major role as the Blues look to physically dominate the depleted Highlanders pack.
‘‘I want to try come in and dominate; impose myself physically and get some good go forward. Last week we struggled to do that and got bullied a bit. This week I’m looking forward to trying to make amends for that.’’
Tuipulotu would never opt to endure what he has again. But if last week was any gauge, he’s intent on making up for lost time.