KEY POINTS:
Former All Black Ofisa "Junior" Tonu'u applied lessons learned on the rugby field to help his pregnant wife.
His wife Sheralynn went into labour about 7pm on Monday. Five hours later he drove her to hospital, but when they arrived they were told to return home because Sheralynn was not ready to deliver, 3 News reported.
"We stopped about three times, and then by the time we got home I think she was really in full flight labour," Tonu'u said.
His first move was to ring 111, but it was too late.
Seconds later he made the delivery of his life, all while on the phone to an operator.
But the drama was not over, as the umbilical cord was wrapped tightly around the baby's neck.
"She was crying, and then all of a sudden she stopped and then I just realised that you know, I had to, without trying to rip the umbilical cord.
"With my limited knowledge I just forced it over her head and then she started crying again."
Tonu'u says the experience has left him shaken, but he can still see the funny side.
"Well, I didn't drop the ball this time."
It is not the first time the former All Black halfback's cool head has saved the day. Last August he restrained an out-of-control passenger on a flight from Auckland to Wellington, earning the praise of police and fellow passengers.
Francesca Eti Tonu'u is the couple's fifth child.
Tonu'u, 38, played eight games, including five tests, for the All Blacks after making his debut in 1996.
- NZPA
