Shontayne Hape is determined to make up for lost time when he runs out for New Zealand against Great Britain on Saturday.
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Shontayne Hape is determined to make up for lost time when he runs out for New Zealand against Great Britain on Saturday.
The Bradford centre thought his season could be over when he suffered cruciate ligament damage playing against Les Catalans back in March.
However, the 25-year-old managed to return from a knee re-construction in time to play for the Bulls in the final week of the regular season.
Despite being out for so long, Hape was called up by the Kiwis for the Gillette Fusion Series and will start in the opening Test against the Lions, much to his delight.
Honour
"It's always an honour to be called up for your country," said the former New Zealand Warrior.
"When I found out I was going to miss the whole season, the thought of playing in this series helped perk me up.
"It was very tedious, coming to training every day, it was mentally draining, but I got to come back at the end of the season for Bradford and now I get to play the games instead of having to watch."
Hape, one of only four survivors from the Tri-Nations final winning team of 2005, can be considered a senior member of a new-look Kiwi squad.
Injuries and suspensions have hit New Zealand hard, while the retirement of key trio Ruben Wiki, Stacey Jones and Nigel Vagana has not helped.
There is also a new coach in charge in Gary Kimble, who started his tenure in the worst possible way with a record 58-0 loss to Australia.
Building
"When I look around the team, there are only four or five players from 2005 and for myself and (captain) Roy Asotasi, we are probably are the guys who need to put our hands up and lead the way," Hape commented.
"We've got a new coach and a new squad. We're in the process of trying to re-build, having lost Ruben Wiki, Stacey Jones and Nigel Vagana, all the senior heads.
"We have young guys coming through, it's like a re-building phase for the World Cup and this is a stepping stone.
"This series is going to be very tough and a good test for the young guys who made their debuts against Australia. It wasn't a very good debut but they got to play a Test and now know what the standard is."
