With nine wins in a row by the Men in All Black, even the talking hyphen, A-dam Ashley-Cooper wants the misery to end, and after a Gilbert kicked the Penalty [Kurtley Beale’s new nick-name], those quiet Aussies want more.  This may have been encouraged, as the three wise men have made some astute changes in the ABs starting line-up.  Nevertheless, one can sense those hungry for victory are sensing a moment of vulnerability, as this is their moment to shine… even in black and white!

Then, Aaron Cruden stands up, small man in stature, I mean, what will he be able to accomplish?!  

This is the thinking of some, who define that man by the context of his stature and physique.  Also, replacing Dan Carter with the man, surely such is like painting a target on his chest, with a sign saying, “attack through me,” thereby giving the Wobblies something when they deserve nothing.

While there is no doubt that Aaron Cruden does not have an imposing physical presence, it is fortunate that Union is a game that is made for a multitude of different shapes and sizes, meaning that while size can be significant, it is certainly not determinative, and history has affirmed that it is not prohibitive in defining sporting greatness.

Anyway, what’s 10kgs between friends!  

On the other hand, what does make the man on the rugby field, Aaron Cruden is blessed with unusually large quantities, to go along with his undoubted quality!  Cruden, to date, in his rugby adventures, no, even in life, has proven that he is the exception in exceptional, thereby being the point of difference when a team is chosen, a game is analysed, and a victory is won.

Yes, Aaron Cruden Has “IT”

What exactly “IT” is, I will shortly get to, but let me digress a little on this young man’s journey.

I still remember the first time I saw him play.  The sun was shining, Palmerston North was buzzing, and I had my TV on [insert: Hermit], and Manawatu decided to make a change in # 10, First-Five Eighth position, and up stepped, a blond bombshell [hair dye!].  Little did we know what would soon transpire, but as Cruden was given the nod to run the team, in some respects my following observations are hard to quantify, but it was clear to me that the way he moved, the way he directed the team, the way he brought life to a lacking back-line, this kid had something… and why didn’t he start?

Then he was gone…

In time we would hear that this blond-haired number 10 had been diagnosed with testicular cancer, where he would face a physical opponent who wanted to not only steal his very soul, and take his life, but if this could break the person’s hope, crush his spirit, this opponent would mercilessly do so by any means necessary.

Tragedy can strike when we least expect it. 

In a moment, life go can move from, Go, to Woe, and we are forced into a war we feel ill-equipped to win.  If the recent events through a Cantabrian window remind us of anything, it is that at such times and on such occasions, while physical strength can be helpful, it is the character that is within a person that matters most.

You can’t physically fight an Earthquake.  You can’t, with the strength of your frame, halt the shaking.  However, you can, through the strength of an iron will, affirm that while these things will surely shake your world, even bringing you to your knees, they will not keep you there.

Aaron Cruden on a Saturday Sydney night is a metaphor for the region of Canterbury. You need to get this O member, wherever you are residing on our planetary world, as it is also because of such times that the young man has a giant character and sense of life under the Sun.  When you go through tragedy, you are forever marked and changed, and if you allow it to shape you and not break you, you will be the one who will not only last, well beyond period, but will be the one who grows into something more, and something much more remarkable.

In time, Cruden would return from his battle with Cancer, and would lead the New Zealand Under 20 side, who would beat England in the Final, to be crowned, World Champions.  Cruden would be named World Player of the Year, and a new star is born.  Slowly, but surely, this development has continued at local level, then Super level, and now into the All Blacks, however, it will be on Saturday night when the boy truly ascends the All Black throne.

Okay, then, what exactly is “it” about Aaron Cruden?

Maybe the best way to explain this is to say that those who know the game, those who have played top-line sport, those who have experienced it all, affirm that at this level, it is 80% mental and only 20% physical.

Do you get that?  

In other words, what is of primary importance is the way a player can handle the situation, can cope under intense pressure, can make the right decisions in a split-second, and can find the solution, no matter what.

Decision-making.  Character.  Intestinal Fortitude.  Will-power.  Vision.  Time.

It is in these areas that Aaron Cruden is a giant.

For a young man, at his age, in light of what he has been through, he is road-tested, and a Test Match on a Sydney Saturday night is not only easy in comparison, it is also a gift to take hold of and squeeze the very life into it, which is why when Aaron Cruden steps out onto the field of dreams, he will be ready to lead an All Black team to victory, announcing himself on the world stage… again!

Virtuoso!

Truly and honestly, no matter what happens, Aaron Cruden has probably already been through the toughest battle in his life, and he has fought the good fight, he has won this race!

In light of this, what’s a game of rugby compared to this battle?

Personally, I can’t wait to see the boy in action, watching our depth at First-Five Eighth tangible grow before my eyes!

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking