Kicking for goal in the memorable Super 14 ‘fog final’ at Christchurch in 2006. We beat the Canes 19–12.
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Jerry Collins is in support as I break against the Boks at Rustenburg in 2006. His tragic death in 2015 affected all of us very deeply.
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Rugby World Cup, 2007. Making a point to Smithy and Ted prior to our ill-fated quarter-final at Cardiff.
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Frustration sets in as we struggle against the French.
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I had braced myself for the onslaught after returning to Christchurch . . . instead the fans turned out to show their support and loyalty.
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Happy after scoring the match-winning try against the Reds at Brisbane during the 2008 Super 14.
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With Robbie and the boys after beating the Waratahs in the final of the 2008 Super 14 in Christchurch.
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Jimmy Cowan and I have all the big silverware after the final round of the Tri-Nations at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 2008.
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Smithy looks delighted as Steve offers congratulations following our win over Wales in the third leg of the grand slam in 2008.
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A lighter moment after signing for Perpignan in 2009. I wagered Perpignan President Paul Goze my playing salary if he could beat me in a sprint.
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Welcome to the Heineken Cup. Upended in my first match for Perpignan, against Leicester Tigers, and . . .
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. . . looking for support in the same match at Stade Aimé Giral.
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It’s not every day you get to arm-wrestle Bono, but it happened this night in Dublin back in 2009.
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Spud Day is a tradition amongst me and some good mates. We start at the pub, early in the morning, each wearing a uniform that varies year to year. We have a route which winds through Christchurch — with a sober driver, of course. We have 45 minutes at each house, where they’ll make a speech about their potatoes. A leaderboard is assembled as we go, with the heaviest potatoes the winner. It’s a little weird, but a lot of fun.
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My comeback match for Southbridge against Hornby at Denton Oval, 25 July 2009. I spent a lot of the match sidestepping late tacklers, while my kicking radar was way off beam.
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Diehard Southbridge fans with a show of support in the grandstand at Denton Oval.
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The final match of 2010, against Wales at Cardiff. Kicking a penalty goal to break Jonny Wilkinson’s world test points scoring record.
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The big screen at Millennium Stadium acknowledges the feat.
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Celebrating victory and the All Blacks’ third grand slam in six years.
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22.02.2011. The effects of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake are clearly visible right outside my house in Shirley. Liquefaction on my front lawn.
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The little bridge at the start of our right-of-way sags dejectedly.
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Congratulating Ali Williams after the Crusaders narrowly lost to the Blues in the opening round of Super Rugby in 2011 in Auckland. It was just three days before the earthquake.
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About to score against the Reds in the Super Rugby final in Brisbane, 2011. The endless travel had, by then, taken its toll and we lost 13–18.
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Searching for a gap in a sea of Frenchmen during the All Blacks’ World Cup pool match against France at Eden Park in 2011.
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I felt a pop from within, and collapsed to the ground, screaming in agony. The ball dribbled 10 metres in front of me, and I lay there, crumpled in a heap. My World Cup dream was over . . . again.
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With Israel Dagg, Jerome Kaino, Andy Ellis, Mils Muliaina and Kieran Read after the RWC final in 2011. I was so happy for my teammates, for the coaches, for the whole country.
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Wedding day, 9 December 2011. Honor and I pose with the bridal party.
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With Mum, Dad and my sister Sarah.
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Leaving Westpac Stadium in Wellington after a special presentation following my 100th Super Rugby match in April 2012.
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With the Bledisloe Cup after our 22–0 victory over Australia at Eden Park in 2012.
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Attacking against Scotland on the northern hemisphere tour in 2012. I still regard this as one of my best matches in the black jersey.
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With Nana Carter and the IRB Player of the Year trophy at the end of 2012.
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Aaron Mauger, my long-time Crusaders and All Blacks teammate, is running the water — and the onfield coaching messages — during a Super Rugby match in 2013.
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All Blacks skills coach Mick ‘The Kick’ Byrne has played a big part in my success.
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‘I wish I could retire.’ All Blacks training, Wellington, 2013.
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My 100th test match, vs England at Twickenham, 2013. A pair of the special adidas limited-edition commemorative boots. I couldn’t wait to wear them.
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Liam Messam pulls me up by the jersey during the haka. It was a huge mark of respect and I was almost overcome by the moment.
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After the match with fellow members of the 100 club, Woody, Richie and Kevvy.
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