James Broadhurst feared All Blacks chance would never come
Friday 24 July 2015 09:53, UK
New Zealand lock James Broadhurst admits he was beginning to think his chance with the All Blacks would never come, ahead of his debut against South Africa on Saturday.
Broadhurst is one of two debutants, alongside fly-half Lima Sopoaga, named in the starting XV by New Zealand coach Steve Hansen for the Rugby Championship clash in Johannesburg.
The 27-year-old has been forced to watch patiently as a host of his New Zealand U21 team-mates got the call up to the senior ranks while he continued to ply his trade in Super Rugby for the Wellington Hurricanes.
But now he gets the chance to partner Brodie Retallick in the All Black engine room and Broadhurst feels a shift in his mentality helped him make the breakthrough.
"There were definitely times when I had doubts," Broadhurst said.
"But I have tried to step up in professionalism and build a solid routine. A big focus for me has been consistency. In the last year especially I think I have done that."
Broadhurst enjoyed a standout season for the Hurricanes, helping his side reach the Super Rugby final against the Otago Highlanders, but he admits he travelled to South Africa with low expectations about getting on the pitch in Ellis Park.
"I wasn't coming over here (South Africa) expecting too much, especially with the way the lock pairing played last weekend," he said.
"I don't really know what to expect but I know it's going to be a jump up from what I have faced before.
"It's going to be a sterner test than the Bulls at Loftus, which is pretty tough, so I am just excited for what is to come."
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Broadhurst might be earning his first cap but he will be playing in a pack with over 500 caps collectively and he admits having that experience around him will be comforting in the hostile environment which is sure to greet the All Blacks.
"That brings confidence to me, it's one thing the coach (Steve Hansen) said to the debutants last week, just look around to the guys next to you,” Broadhurst admitted.
"If you get nervous, just do that and it should help get you through."
Watch South Africa v New Zealand live on Sky Sports 1 HD at 4.05pm on Saturday.
