Mum’s original No 9 jersey inspiration to Kerr-Barlow
‘I always wanted to follow in her footsteps except I wanted to put on a black jersey. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
Tawera Kerr-Barlow may have outgrown on-field advice from his mother but after a touch-and-go journey to the Rugby World Cup he will savour her presence in the stands.
Long before he was an All Blacks halfback, Kerr-Barlow idolised his mum, Gail, who is originally from Oparau near Kawhia but represented Northern Territory and Australia in 1995 and ‘96 in the same position while raising two sons in Darwin.
Kerr-Barlow realised he had two heroes in 1995; his mum and Jonah Lomu. He wanted to emulate both by wearing Lomu’s black jersey and his mother’s playing number.
‘‘My brother and I were brought up mostly by our mum,’’ KerrBarlow said in England on Thursday.
‘‘My dad travelled a lot with his work. We were always down at the footy park every Saturday watching her play. She had a No 9 on her back so naturally I wanted to be a No 9.
‘‘I always wanted to follow in her footsteps except I wanted to put on a black jersey.’’
Technical advice from mum about his pass ended when he was 14 but by then Kerr-Barlow was well on his way to achieving the dream. Signed by Waikato as a 17-year-old at Hamilton Boys’ High School, he has now played 15 tests.
‘‘We were brought up in Australia, my brother and I, but we always considered ourselves Kiwis. I can remember watching the ‘95 World Cup final. Ever since then I wanted to be an All Black.
‘‘My pass might be getting a bit strong for her these days ... she’s getting on a little bit. She’s coming over for the World Cup so it will be really nice to see her.’’
Kerr-Barlow is soaking up every moment of his first World Cup, appreciating his presence more than most after almost missing the plane. His openness to speak about his mum and cheeky grin, while discussing the sometimes over-the-top energy of the three All Blacks halfbacks, reflected a player revelling in the occasion.
And why not? A horrific knee injury last year nearly robbed him of the chance to be here. Only a determined recovery, countless hours in the gym and the confidence of the All Blacks coaches led to him being included alongside Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara.
‘‘I’m extremely excited to be back in the side and at my first World Cup. It’s been a helluva year,’’ he said.
‘‘I didn’t know if I was going to make it back in time. The coaches have showed a lot of faith in me and I’m trying to grow every day and keep improving. When I get my chance I’ll take it.’’
That’s likely to come in the All Blacks’ second match against Namibia next week. Ten months since his last test, Kerr-Barlow won’t have to look far for inspiration. One of his heroes will be in the crowd.