Read: We have liftoff
Kieran Read says he’s ready to take the next step and come off the bench for the Crusaders after getting through yesterday’s game for Counties Manukau in Manurewa.
The All Blacks captain played for the first 40 minutes in the Steelers’ pre-season friendly against Tasman, which ended in a 26-26 draw.
Read was involved in the game from the start, making two strong runs in the first few minutes, taking balls at lineouts, showing plenty of energy and no signs of lingering back problems. He also had a hand in the Steelers’ first try, driving bodies over the line to put his new province in front.
‘‘The body is all right,’’ Read said afterward. ‘‘It’s certainly tiring, it’s going to be a step up when I go up to Super Rugby but it’s nice to get a hitout after a long time out of the game.’’
What New Zealand fans were hoping for was that Read got through his first game of the year, following back surgery, without any issues. This he did and he now has his eyes on playing for the Crusaders against the Highlanders on July 6.
‘‘Certainly it was tiring and the legs are sore. You can’t replicate the game of footy on a training paddock,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s good to get that hitout. I’m sure I’ll be better for it and it’s up to the coaches, if they see fit to use me in a small way, probably off the bench next week. Otherwise, I’ll have another hitout and get myself a bit fitter.’’
While it was frustrating for Read to sit out all the Super Rugby season so far and the All Blacks’ series against France, the 32-year-old can see positives in being sidelined for so long. He’s anticipating he’ll feel fresh for the rest of 2018 and going into next year’s World Cup.
‘‘It does [help] in a weird way,’’ he said. ‘‘You don’t want to miss rugby, but it’s been great for me personally with my family.
‘‘I spent a bit of time with them and the body feels good. I’m feeling pretty good and hopefully it’s going to be a big benefit for me this year and into next year as well – that’s what I’m really aiming for.’’
Read is synonymous with Canterbury and the Crusaders, but getting to play for the Steelers in front of his father is a memory he’ll cherish.
‘‘It was cool to play in front of dad. I spent my life growing up here and he always took me along to Growers [Stadium], on the bank, so . . . I think he’s pretty proud today.’’