Pinetree refuses to surrender to cancer

Doctors are surprised at rugby legend’s progress, which he credits partly to secret powers of ‘ Taranaki Water’

Rugby legend Sir Colin Meads says he is winning his fight against cancer.

Speaking about his health for the first time in months, the iconic All Blacks lock has lifted the lid on his toughest battle yet — and how he’s refused to surrender, even when experts warned the odds were overwhelmingly against him.

Meads, 80, has revealed how a doctor grimly delivered him his life expectancy after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer diagnosis in August. In trademark style, Meads took it as a challenge.

In an exclusive interview with Newstalk ZB’s Tony Veitch, Meads says the cancer has not taken hold as expected, with doctors stunned by his progress and the man himself believing he’s overcoming the illness.

“I was upset a little bit with one of the specialists when he gave me a time . . . A lifespan. I just said to myself ‘ well, I’ll beat that’.

“They can’t quite believe it, but there’s not too much happening, that’s what they’re telling me, and apparently, it should have been.”

Meads says he continues to be inundated by well- wishers and advice.

But it’s one mysterious recommendation which Meads says is the secret.

“I’ve got one that I think is working, don’t ask me what’s in it, but I call it ‘ Taranaki Water’. A fella arrived at my door with this stuff and I reckon it’s doing me real good,” he said.

“He calls it a cure for cancer and he said ‘ would you take it?’ This is a dairy farmer, he’s got the magic touch I reckon.”

Meads says he’s enjoying life in his beloved Te Kuiti and mixing with the locals.

This week it was announced Meads is to be cast in bronze in the main street of his King Country hometown.

“You know everyone up here and the kids all say ‘ gidday Pinetree’ and I haven’t a bloody clue who they are but they’re good kids. I just love it here,” he said.

“It’s just nice to know the cheeky little buggers call me Pinetree. It’s good.”

The man who played 133 games for the All Blacks from 1957- 1971 and was named ‘ Player of The Century’ in 1999 said the diagnosis has been tough on his family.

“It’s bloody hard for Verna, the kids and grandkids,” he said.

Listen to Tony Veitch’s full interview with Sir Colin Meads on NewstalkZB this afternoon.