Grace clears Ma¯ori hurdle
Cullen Grace was a hero for the Crusaders in last Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific final and has been called up for the Ma¯ ori All Blacks after a dive into his eligibility.
The one-test All Blacks loose forward was credited by test veteran Sam Whitelock for his brilliance in dismantling the Blues’ lineout, as the Crusaders won 21-7 to clinch yet another title at Eden Park.
Before the final, the 22-year-old from Timaru was not named in the All Blacks squad and there were many punters – namely from Canterbury’s regions – who felt he was more than unlucky to not get another crack after several injuries ruined his chances last year.
However, Grace is set to play in black against Ireland, albeit for the Ma¯ ori after his selection yesterday – and after coach Clayton McMillan announced their squad last week for the two midweek matches with the Irish in Hamilton and Wellington.
McMillan said Grace’s call-up, along with Highlanders lock Max Hicks and Blues halfback Sam Nock, was to cover for a few injury niggles and for the imminent arrival of babies for some expectant fathers.
The Ma¯ ori coach also said they weren’t sure of Grace’s eligibility until after last week’s squad was named.
‘‘We’re robust in how we go about ensuring that everybody who plays in the team has gone through an eligibility process,’’ McMillan said.
All players must have Ma¯ ori whakapapa or genealogy confirmed in order to represent the side.
‘‘We found, fairly late, that Cullen was eligible. We’ve been through that process and found that he’s as Ma¯ori as I am,’’ McMillan said, with a smile.
‘‘He’s played great rugby all year, is a recent All Black, and this is a vehicle we hope will help promote not only Cullen, but every other member of our team, to higher honours.’’
Grace’s one test was in 2020 – a 24-22 loss to the Wallabies in Brisbane – and he has been in outstanding form for the Crusaders throughout a rollercoaster season which, inevitably, ended with another trophy for Scott Robertson’s champion side.
He is an excellent addition for the Ma¯ ori’s inexperienced group of loose forwards and is likely to be unleashed on the Irish.
Caleb Delany, TK Howden and Cameron Suafoa have each been called up for the first time, too, alongside the more experienced duo of Reed Prinsep and Billy Harmon.
Grace had always known about his Ma¯ori heritage that’s through his father. He is affiliated to the Nga¯ ti Whakaue and Nga¯ ti Raukawa iwi.
He said he hadn’t grown up too much with te ao Ma¯ ori and had been encouraged to embrace it by Crusaders assistant coach and former Ma¯ ori All Black Tamati Ellison.
‘‘I had a yarn to my old man as well. He was pretty excited for me as well,’’ Grace said. ‘‘I’ve got a lot to learn about my Ma¯ ori side. I can’t wait to explore it. There isn’t a better team to do that.’’
McMillan, the Ma¯ori coach since 2017, said Grace’s story was one of the best things about the Ma¯ori All Blacks because it would allow him to grow and better understand his heritage.
‘‘I’ve seen people walk through the door in their first year, nervous as hell about their vulnerability within this space, and now they walk in here like they own the place,’’ McMillan said.
‘‘Coming here is often the catalyst for greater learning about who they are, where they come from, and then be in a position to share their experience and put other people who come into the squad at ease.’’