Crockett’s patience is finally rewarded
Few All Blacks will feel as vindicated as Wyatt Crockett when the Air New Zealand jet airliner finally launches from the Auckland airport tarmac tonight.
For four years Crockett, 32, has patiently bided his time in the hope he would get the opportunity to bury the disappointment of missing the All Blacks’ World Cup squad in 2011.
Although Tony Woodcock was considered the premier loosehead prop in New Zealand, and the selectors were always expected to lean towards selecting just one specialist in their 30-man squad, Crockett still had reason to feel some optimism ahead of the squad naming.
A foot injury had curtailed Woodcock’s season with the Blues, preventing him being fit for the early tests against Fiji, South Africa and Australia in New Zealand, and that allowed Crockett to prove his value when rewarded with three rare starts.
Woodcock returned for the away games against South Africa and Australia, which both resulted in defeats, fuelling debate that Crockett may defy the odds and win selection.
It wasn’t to be; Woodcock got the nod.
Crockett, like flanker Liam Messam who has been included in this World Cup squad but was extremely disappointed to miss the cut in 2011, was forced to accept he would never play in a global tournament on New Zealand soil.
John Afoa, Ben and Owen Franks joined Woodcock as the four bookends in the squad that went on to receive medals for winning the Webb Ellis Cup.
Five props have been named in the 31-man squad for the upcoming tournament in Britain because a change in the laws means an extra front rower must be listed in the reserves.
‘‘Initially, the next few months [after the squad was named] were pretty tough and to be honest watching the World Cup in 2011 was pretty tough,’’ Crockett said.
‘‘But it’s close now . . . I can’t wait to be a part of it.’’
Crockett’s excitement is understandable.
He could have just as easily thrown his hands in the air and sold his talents to an overseas club. He has been rewarded for his patience.
Crockett has advanced his career to the point where he has accumulated 40 test caps, starting 21 of them, and is the Crusaders’ most experienced player with 154 Super Rugby caps.
Woodcock is expected to confirm his international retirement after the World Cup, opening the way for Crockett to bed himself in as the top loosehead next season.
Now the All Blacks are just counting down the hours until they finally arrive in London and begin preparations for their first match against Argentina at Wembley Stadium on September 21.
With coach Steve Hansen expected to name his strongest side for their toughest pool match, it is likely Woodcock will join Dane Coles and Owen Franks in the front row.
Crockett may start against Namibia in London’s Olympic Stadium four days later.
The All Blacks arrive in London tomorrow.
They will attend a welcoming ceremony at the Tower of London later that day.
‘‘The last few weeks have gone quite slowly, I suppose, just knowing what’s around the corner,’’ Crockett said in reference to the long build-up. ‘‘You just want to get over there now and get amongst it.’’