TALE OF THE TAPE: Anne Broadhurst from Waiharara said her grandson Jame will not be granted any special treatment even after the Hurricanes lock was named in the new All Blacks squad on Sunday.
Among those celebrating the naming of Waipapakauri-born James Broadhurst in the new All Blacks line-up were grandparents Anne and Graham Broadhurst of Waiharara, affectionately known as "Gran and Grumps" to James and his brother Michael.
Anne has been one of James' biggest supporters throughout his rugby career, although that's clearly
not in a literal sense as she barely stands 5-foot (1.524m) or thereabouts, compared to her celebrated grandson who hits the mark at 6'6" (2.01m).
"We were absolutely delighted," she said of the team being named on Sunday. "We all assembled at Ian and Bernadette's when the announcement was made, [to] cheers all round, bottles opening."
Anne admitted any trepidation amongst the crowd that the Broadhurst name might not make the cut soon went out the door with the Hurricanes lock "one of the first names called out", to everyone's relief.
"It's been a real vigil. We watch the Hurricanes play every game, seen him grow up from a little runt at Waipap. He then went to school down Gisborne way, but he's always played rugby."
