Drummondkeeps ABs dream alive

We’ve all heard it before – the old cliche how every Kiwi kid grows up dreaming of becoming an All Black.

Crusaders halfback Mitchell Drummond, who has just recommitted to the franchise until the end of 2020, was once one of them.

Now 23 years old and nearing the end of his fourth season of Super Rugby, nothing has changed.

Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara and Tawera Kerr-Barlow have all but shut the door on any other halfbacks getting a look in with the All Blacks in recent years.

However, Kerr-Barlow’s looming departure to French club La Rochelle means the All Blacks selectors will be casting their eyes over the rest of the pack.

Blues halfback Augustine Pulu (two caps) and injured Chief Brad Weber (one) have both had a taste at the next level and are no doubt next in line.

But fresh from recommitting to playing in New Zealand for at least another three years, Drummond, a New Zealand under-20 representative in 2014, has an opportunity in front of him – no matter how much he plays it down.

‘‘I’m just focusing on doing my job for the Crusaders and if anything comes of it then that’s cool,’’ Drummond said.

‘‘It’s every kid’s dream to make that top level, but at the moment I’m just focused on playing good rugby and hopefully the next few weeks go real well and we get where we want to get to.’’

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has rotated Drummond and Bryn Hall this season and who gets the starting job against the Hurricanes on Saturday won’t be known until tomorrow.

The 14-0 Crusaders will secure a perfect regular season and, more importantly, the top seed and home advantage throughout the playoffs by toppling the defending champions a second time this year.

‘‘Obviously we’re two pretty competitive blokes and we both want to start every week,’’ Drummond said when discussing the dynamic between him and Hall.

‘‘We know the best thing for the team is whoever gets the nod it’s the other bloke’s job to get him and the team ready.

‘‘As you’ve seen, whether we start or come off the bench, both of us seem to get good minutes.’’

Drummond, who broke a leg early in last year’s Mitre 10 Cup defence with Canterbury, has played the best rugby of his career during the Crusaders’ golden run this year.

During the international break, he played waterboy during Canterbury’s Ranfurly Shield defence against Wanganui and is itching to resume the campaign.

‘‘I think this year I’ve started to express myself a bit more,’’ he said.

‘‘I’m just really enjoying my rugby.

‘‘I love turning up to training every day and the opportunity to get better.

‘‘The boys are excited to be back and there is a real energy around the group. We’re really excited about the next few weeks and we’re pumped up to take on a pretty good Hurricanes team this week.’’