‘Enforcer’ Henwood takes on boyhood rival

Being a fully formed and functioning adult hasn’t hurt. Nor has being rather smart.

But the initial secret to Sam Henwood’s ability to fit in at the Hurricanes was toughness. How tough? Well, when Hurricanes captain Brad Shields refers to you as ‘‘a tough bastard’’, chances are you’re no powderpuff.

The openside flanker’s flattered by the praise but is not so modest that he tries to dismiss it.

‘‘I’d like to think of myself as an enforcer, especially defensively. I’d like to think of myself as that [tough man Shields described],’’ Henwood said.

Turns out there’s a bit more to Henwood than a bloke who likes to tackle and sacrifice his body at rucks. Originally from Opotiki, Henwood boarded at Auckland’s King’s College, where he captained the first XV.

The Chiefs picked him up for 2016 but it’s only been this season at the Hurricanes that significant playing time has materialised. His abrasiveness has been a welcome addition but is by no means the extent of what Henwood’s had to offer.

‘‘I’ve got two degrees actually. A degree in business marketing and a degree in computer science, software development. I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to my schoolwork.’’

Tonight he’ll mark an old boyhood team-mate. He and Sam Cane grew up playing age-group rugby together for Bay of Plenty, before both headed to boarding school.

The last time they went head-to-head was Blues Schools against Chiefs Schools.

Henwood likes a chat so there should be a bit of banter between the pair.

‘‘He’s the best No 7 in New Zealand, arguably the world, so I’ll be looking forward to taking that challenge on,’’ said Henwood.