Angus Ta’avau, once a struggling Blues player, transformed into an NSW Waratahs & Chiefs established Super Rugby player. He has found that after several years of attempt, fans and rugby decision-makers are now finally looking his way – so Ta’avau is taking every opportunity as it ‘knocks’ when the All Blacks come calling.
This comes after news out of the All Blacks camp, that starting prop forward Joe Moody had suffered an broken thumb during The Rugby Championship match on Saturday . It was yet another unlucky break for the Crusaders prop, who has suffered regular set-backs since 2017.
?? Joe Moody out of remainder of Rugby Championship
?️ "Moods has had an x-ray which has revealed a fracture in his left thumb. The good news is he'll be back in time for the northern tour to Japan and Europe."
Full story ? https://t.co/KF1o6SOarJ pic.twitter.com/N5dhn0BS9F
— Sky Sports Rugby (@SkySportsRugby) August 30, 2018
But one man’s set-back, is another man’s chance. Now; taking opportunity as it knocks, is how Angus Ta’avau finds his route towards wearing an All Blacks jersey.
Injury always gives way to opportunity in Sport – Angus Ta’avao
Ta’avau has risen to the level where he is on the cusp of the top-tier. On a limited list, a very short list, of men who ‘could be considered’.
So when injury occurs, when the All Blacks come calling, it is every rugby players dream to receive that call.
That name decided upon was Angus Ta’avau – after injury to Joe Moody and the unavailability of Jeff Toomaga-Allen. So in one week’s time, the 28 year old will finally be given an chance to show evidence of his time to ‘knock on the door’ of an All Blacks start.
He will join the training squad to prepare for the next Rugby Championship fixture: Argentina, on Saturday September 8.
Argentina will arrive in New Zealand with plenty of confidence after blitzing through the Springboks last weekend.
How much of a threat do YOU think the Pumas will pose?#NZLvARG pic.twitter.com/tR30bIjrSl
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 29, 2018
Taranaki skipper can make boyhood dream come true
His role today, which is with Taranaki Rugby, see’s him as an senior member of that side. A leading figure of the current Ranfurly Shield holders, he has set a level in national provincial rugby that is nearest to the All Blacks standard – an explanation of why Steve Hansen and, per-say, AB scrum-guru Mike Cron will have circled the prop.
From the Mitre 10 Cup, to Super Rugby, Ta’avau is experienced and maintains a high level of output. That has been recognized in him being called into the All Blacks squad – as injury cover yes – but like others, he needs to take any opportunity to gain a step on the ladder. To secure an opportunity
What makes the selections of both Ta’avao and his Chiefs team mate Karl Tu’inikuafe so amazing, is the fact that neither player had a Super Rugby contract at the start of the season. So if he were to be boosted into the NZLvARG squad, it would be a stratospheric rise to the heights of New Zealand Rugby.
An level that is both admired, and a restricted group. Ta’avau will feel that he is within a supreme group – a group which will only bring out the best in the Waratahs/Chiefs player. Although, to the diminishment of Taranaki Rugby; taking away such an important figure.
Note: a common situation, with many eligible Mitre 10 Cup/Currie Cup or other league players, being removed during The Rugby Championship.
Angus Ta’avau – Taking opportunity as it knocks
Even though selection is considered the most incredible accolade, for Taranaki it might just remove one of their key figures. A valuable asset which the playing group need – yet none of them would deny Ta’avau his opportunity.
As one player who has developed more; whom get’s a favourable ‘chance’ than it has a benefit to the sport in Taranaki. Once any team mate is selected for; say an representative team, it is duty care of his mates to celebrate. To boost that players confidence – and while this call=up to the apex of New Zealand Rugby, it is still one where any player must feel they have opportunities to aspire too.
Could he be chosen within the playing 23? That would be an huge call – not a novelty either, as Karl Tu’inkuafe proved when he played against France. So in theory, the novelty is not a unique attribute, so selection from the NPC or Super Rugby level is gladly one that could be repeated. Not that every All Blacks fan will support a direct-call up, but others will support the decision as injury replacement value.
Angus Ta’avau knows that opportunity only comes knocking once. It means that any, and every opportunity from that level has to be taken with both hands. Taranaki Rugby fans will know that he would wish to play this week and next but if any opportunity is available – then he, and every player during The Rugby Championship, or Six Nations or Rugby Championship, is the time to grab those chances with both hands.
“Main photo credit”
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