Cockesdge is a true student of the game
New Zealand Rugby player of the year Kendra Cocksedge is now a part of rugby history, but her on-field brilliance isn’t the only thing that sets her apart.
The Black Fern halfback can’t do much wrong when she has the ball in the hand.
But her rugby genius doesn’t come from thin air – it stems from her meticulous nature that includes keeping a notebook she always carries with her and updates with insights.
That is part of what makes Cocksedge one of the most disciplined players in world rugby.
Black Ferns first-five Krysten Cottrell says her 30-year-old team-mate is in bed by 9pm the night before a test with a cup of tea and is the first out of bed with enthusiasm levels even her younger team-mates don’t match.
She reckons Cocksedge, who has worn the black jersey for 13 years, keeps getting better and better because of her continual drive for self-improvement.
‘‘She’s very onto it, she knows the ins and outs of every play. She’s always got her book with her and she’s always studying the game,’’ Cottrell said, ‘‘not just her position, but everyone else’s position as well. She knows where you should be and what you should be doing.’’
Like most halfbacks, Cocksedge likes to talk.
This has nothing to do with her loving the sound of her own voice, says Cottrell. She is one of
‘‘She’s always studying the game, not just her position, but everyone else’s position as well.’’ Krysten Cottrell on Kendra Cocksedge
the best readers of the game and is clear with her on-field communication.
‘‘She understands the game. She is always writing something down and asking questions.
‘‘She has been in the rugby environment for such a long time she can take control of games, and whatever she does she does it well.’’
That knowledge and assurance means Cocksedge is always composed, which affects the entire team. ‘‘She is a calming person to play with as she knows the game so well. If we are a little bit under pressure she gets up and kind of takes control of what’s going on.’’
Whether kicking or passing, she invariably makes the right decision.
‘‘Over 60 passes a game and most of them go to where they are supposed to go she’s got a nice crisp pass and gets it from A to B pretty quickly.’’
Newbie first-five Ruahei Demant says almost everything the halfback does is ‘‘perfect’’. The co-vice captain has made Demant’s entry into the team easy.
‘‘She keeps everyone honest. You know what halfbacks are like, she is that person, she is a true halfback.
‘‘I would say she is at her peak.’’