All Blacks: Cowan still has point to prove

Jimmy Cowan says the game is now geared towards halfbacks who want to run with the ball. Photo / Getty Images

Jimmy Cowan feels he has something to prove but the All Blacks rugby coaches were never in doubt about their No 1 halfback despite a lineup of challengers.

Cowan was expected to be named today for his 34th test in the All Blacks' season opener against Ireland in New Plymouth on Saturday, continuing his mortgage on the No 9 jersey.

It's a far cry from three years ago when Cowan sat out an entire All Blacks season and battled alcohol issues that saw his test career in doubt.

But his standing in the All Blacks' set-up was made clear by assistant coach Wayne Smith yesterday as he named Cowan one of the most valued senior men in an injury-hit side.

"Jimmy has had a tough couple of years off the field, but on the field he's really performed for us. Off the field he's been a revelation, a young man who faced some demons and stared them down," Smith said.

"He didn't look to anyone else for excuses. I remember him saying `I'm the only one who can fix this', and he set about fixing it. He's become a really important part of our team."

Cowan was largely unchallenged in the black No 9 jersey last year, starting 10 tests and coming off the bench in another three as the squad were rotated in Europe.

But this year was a challenge for Cowan to prove his standing as the top No 9 as his Highlanders team struggled, his form wasn't always at its best and he indulged in some heated verbal stoushes with referees, notably Vinny Munro.

But the selectors plumped for Cowan in the face of strong challenges from the Blues' Alby Mathewson and the Crusaders' Kahn Fotuali'i who both missed the initial squad in favour of Hurricanes halfback Piri Weepu.

"I've taken note of the way they've played and they've played very well and are unlucky to miss this team. Everyone's pushing their case and I've got the first opportunity to silence a few critics and put my best foot forward and start a few more," Cowan said yesterday.

Cowan enjoyed the change in rule interpretations and felt the game now was geared towards halfbacks who wanted to run with the ball.

"It's a real nine's game now and there's a real opportunity around that area."

He was also intent on leading more by example as he and first five-eighth Dan Carter look to guide the team around in the injury absences of senior men like Mils Muliaina, Andrew Hore, Ali Williams, Ma'a Nonu and Sitiveni Sivivatu.

"I've been here for the last two seasons so it's a key for me to express my opinions. There's some newer guys who need a bit of help along the way. It's a chance for me to step up in that region.

"I've played 33 tests now and I have to lead by example. Not necessarily by talking but by my actions and body language."

Smith was happy having Cowan at the forefront, but said he and Weepu - also chosen as backup goalkicker for Carter - couldn't rest on their laurels.

"They're both experienced players and they have both won big test matches for us so we're pretty lucky there. There are other players putting them under pressure and some of them have a different game so it'll be interesting to see how we go," Smith said.

- NZPA