Cruden ponders his next big move
Mum sees through ‘apology’
Aaron Cruden has started reading a spiritual book, something, he says, that helps take his mind off rugby.
Fair enough. He’s got a bit going on at the moment.
He has had a contract with French club Montpellier, reportedly worth around $1.3 million a season if he joins after the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand next year, tabled and is considering whether to stay or go.
Cruden, a 44-test veteran, is also trying to win back his All Blacks No 10 jersey.
When he starts at first fiveeighth against Italy tomorrow it will be his first run-on appearance for the All Blacks since he was carted off Westpac Stadium in Wellington on June 18, having suffered a neck injury against Wales.
Beauden Barrett has been blocking Cruden’s way to a starter’s jersey for the big games and maybe this could trigger a move offshore.
If Cruden does head to France, it will coincide with Chiefs mentor Dave Rennie leaving the Hamiltonbased club.
Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Tom Taylor left for France late last year, but Cruden said he is no closer to making a decision.
‘‘No, not really, I have just put that on the back-burner until after this tour.
‘‘I just want to play good rugby, represent my country well with the boys here … and do that justice first before I even think about opportunities there.’’
Hansen has had a chat, making his feelings clear.
‘‘You know what he is like,’’ Cruden, 27, added. ‘‘He has already had those conversations. It is nice to hear that you are wanted. I will think about that after the tour finishes.’’
After the World Cup, Cruden, who didn’t play in the tournament because of a knee injury, deserved to be considered the man to fill the void at No 10. He had more experience and caps than Barrett, with the latter often asked to close out games at fullback, and an attitude to succeed.
Then Barrett ran hot, and Cruden, while not exactly running cold, had to make his next six appearances as a substitute.
‘‘I just know I can’t control what others do, all I can do is control Joe Schmidt says his mother did not accept his apology after he coached Ireland to a historic victory over her beloved All Blacks in Chicago last weekend.
The 51-year-old was in a lighthearted mood as he made the comments before naming his side to play Canada this weekend.
The comments were a link back to when an emotional Schmidt, who was raised in Manawatu, acknowledged his mother in a post-match interview after the 40-29 win.
‘‘Thanks Mum. Hopefully you enjoyed that but I know you’re an All Black fan so I apologise at the same time,’’ he said.
The Independent in Ireland reported his mother saw through the lack of sincerity in the apology.
‘‘She thought my apology was false and she was right,’’ Schmidt told The Independent.
‘‘But I was delighted we won the game and I suppose she was as well.’’
Schmidt’s mother, Christina, still lives in New Zealand at Himatangi Beach, near Palmerston North and remains staunchly loyal to the All Blacks despite her son’s involvement in the Ireland setup.
Ireland have a rematch with the All Blacks on November 20.
me, the way I respond to things and react to them.’’
One thing Cruden has learned since his test debut against Ireland in New Plymouth six years ago, is to switch off from the game.
Reading, and travelling to what he describes as ‘‘cool cities’’ like Rome, help turn the rugby tap off.
While in Johannesburg recently he purchased a book called The Monk Who Sold A Ferrari, a fable about a successful lawyer who realises he isn’t enjoying life and travels to India.
‘‘It is bit of a spiritual book, but, yeah, I have found it really good,’’ Cruden says.
‘‘It encourages a bit of that switching off from time to time and just enjoying the simple things. It has been a good read, so far.’’