Havili back in action for Makos
David Havili’s had enough of sitting on the sidelines.
It’s been nearly four weeks since the Crusaders beat the Lions 25-17 in the Super Rugby final in Johannesburg, although Havili’s spent a good part of that time in exalted company.
It’s been a virtual career highlights package for the 22-yearold Tasman Makos and Crusaders utility back over the past month.
As a fullback, he was one of the standout performers in this year’s Super Rugby championship and helped the Crusaders to their eight title - their first since 2008 - ahead of a shock call up to the All Blacks squad for this year’s Investec Rugby Championship.
He was a frustrated spectator at the Makos’ opening Mitre 10 Cup game against Canterbury -a harrowing 39-0 loss - and again watched on as his Makos’ teammates lost the plot in Sunday’s 35-20 upset loss to Manawatu.
But he’s been released by the All Blacks for next Sunday’s third round clash against Waikato in Hamilton with a potential midfield role beckoning. And it can’t come soon enough for the exciting utility.
‘‘I’m feeling really fresh actually. I’ve put a lot of training in at the All Blacks’ camp and I’m just ready to play some more footy really,’’ Havili said on his return to Nelson this week. ‘‘It was a good break, which I needed after the Super season, so I’m really looking forward to playing again.’’
He admitted that his All Blacks selection was a complete surprise.
‘‘It was something that I never thought would happen, but it was an unbelievable moment for me and my family. So I was just really excited and just awesome to be part of the team.
‘‘It’s a really good environment. They were very welcoming when I went in there and they all helped me get up to speed with the team stuff, so it was really good.’’
Havili’s had to pinch himself after an already amazing season, which included his Nelson club team winning the Nelson Bays championship title.
‘‘It’s pretty much been Christmas all in one really. I wasn’t expecting to get as many games as I did for the Crusaders and then I was fortunate enough to play most of my rugby at fullback this year and it was really good to get performances back to back.
‘‘To get into the final over in Africa was even better and then again to get that All Blacks call-up, it’s just been a dream year, so I just want to keep chipping away and hopefully get a win for Tasman this week and go back into the All Blacks camp ready to go.’’
It’s clearly meant limited time with his Makos’ team-mates this season so he’s determined to make the most of any opportunity against Waikato.
‘‘I can’t wait to get into the game mode really, it’s been almost a month I think and the body’s healed up really well and I’m just ready to go now.’’
After Tasman’s heavy first round loss to Canterbury, Havili said it was tough to watch Tasman lose to Manawatu in Palmerston North last weekend.
‘‘I guess the boys were struggling a bit [on Sunday] but you know, it’s a short campaign this Mitre 10 Cup, so I guess you’ve just got to dump that and move on to the next one and hopefully we can put in a better performance against Waikato this weekend.
‘‘[There were] a few mistakes and a few errors on the passing side of the game and I think this week we’ll work on that and hopefully go into the Waikato game with a better mindset and just get back to the winning ways that Tasman normally have.
‘‘I know they’ll be hurting a bit and they know they’re better than that, so we’ll work on the stuff that we need to this week and we’ll get it right for Sunday.’’
He’ll discuss his likely involvement with Tasman’s coaching staff during the week, but he’s definitely ready to perform.
‘‘The first week I was in [the All Blacks] camp and didn’t play the Canterbury game, it was probably good for me and my body and just to mentally refresh and recharge. But after that I was probably ready to go, so I’m just looking forward to getting back out there this weekend.
‘‘It’s a big game and one that Tasman need to win.’’