Meet new AB's keenest fan

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."

She also recalled the time when James was selected for the Culhams (Taniwha Shield) tournametn team which was managed by his father Ian, while she hovered nearby during the tournament as an ambulance officer with St John, which made that campaign a "real family affair". She couldn't remember if James' brother, Michael, was in the same team; he, of course, now plays in Japan and will likely don the Brave Blossoms' jersey for the upcoming world cup.

Anne also said she was at the doctor's the other day when the practice manager came into the waiting room and told everyone, "I would like you all to meet the grandmother of our latest All Black."

However, it seems the recent upgrade in status won't grant James any special treatment, with Anne refusing to say he was now her favourite grandchild.

"I've got so many grandchildren, and great grandchildren coming on now too."