Veteran TJ Perenara has said he will bring energy if he gets the chance to take the field for the All Blacks in the Autumn Nations Series.
The scrum-half has not been in the All Blacks fold much this year, with head coach Ian Foster opting for younger players in Folau Fakatava and Finlay Christie instead.
However, Perenara has rejoined the New Zealand squad and is prepared to make an impact should he be called on.
Experienced campaigner
The Hurricane can offer the All Blacks experience as a mind who has been there and done it, something he hopes can help his team.
“I hope I bring some energy, it’s how I play the game, I’m a high-energy player. I play with a lot of passion and I wear my heart on my sleeve,” Perenara said on the All Blacks’ YouTube page.
“Defensively I really enjoy the defensive side of the game and having an impact on the defensive side of the ball, so to be able to do that as a nine is something I really look forward to.
“Just being in these arenas before, I’ve been in Test matches before so that experience is something that I’ll call upon if I’m given that opportunity.
“The big ones the passion that I bring, the energy that I bring, and then the defensive side of the ball.”
Perenara admits it is disappointing that he has not been involved with the All Blacks set-up much this year but claims his focus is on the journey.
The 30-year-old is cherishing every part of the voyage that included a debut for the Maori All Blacks, something he values greatly.
“It’s a little bit disappointing not being part of those teams earlier on in the year but my focus isn’t so much on destinations, it’s the journeys that we have as footy players,” he said.
“Everyone’s journeys different and my journey was different to what I thought it was going to be at the start of the year, but I want to cherish every part of it because once it’s all said and done, I think we’re going to look back and wish we had any part of our journey again.
“It’s something that has taken me a little bit of time and a little bit of growing up to realise but I’m honestly grateful for every moment that I have while I’m playing professional rugby.”
Behind the Black Ferns
Perenara says the Blacks Ferns’ World Cup campaign that sees them face England in the final this weekend has been inspiring to the All Blacks, and he looks forward to the decisive game.
“Everyone’s really excited to watch out girls go to work,” he added.
“The growth in that team has been inspiring not only for me as an individual but for our team. I know they had some tough times last year but they’ve come together, they’ve united, and they’ve grown so much.
“The footy that they’re playing out on the field is something we can all be proud of as New Zealanders and fans of rugby, and we’re looking forward to seeing them go to battle on the weekend.”
Click Here: converse shop