Video: Rookie All Blacks itching to take on EnglandKEY POINTS:
The most important step on Rudi Wulf's miraculous journey to an All Blacks rugby jersey was the blessing of his mum.
There will be more than the odd tear shed in the Wulf family when the 24-year-old runs onto AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday for his test debut against England, having conquered a broken neck that threatened to derail a dream.
Three years after fracturing vertebrae when he dived head-first into the shallow end of a swimming pool, Wulf heaped thanks on the support of parents Hugo and Meta, fiancee Nancy and his church.
They were always there when he spent three months imprisoned by an upper body halo brace to immobilise his spine, held in place by bolts to his head to restrict movement.
Then there were two more months in a standard neck brace before six months regaining the fitness and mental confidence to return to the field.
"I always wanted to get back into rugby, I hadn't had enough yet. It was the thing I had the most passion for," Wulf said, remembering how Meta didn't share his desire.
"She wasn't keen on me going back into it, especially seeing me in that halo brace, it was pretty hard for her.
"But she could see that deep down inside I wanted to pursue my dream."
After that year of virtual inactivity and early warnings from a specialist that he may risk further damage on the rugby field, Wulf nevertheless returned for his North Harbour club Marist.
It was a solid knee to his head in just the second game back that convinced him all would be well.
"I heard a cracking sound. I got up and gave it a bit of a twist and turn to see if anything hurt but it was all fine. That was pretty much the all-clear for me," Wulf said.
Selection for North Harbour was followed by two seasons of impressive Super 14 form for the Blues, where his all round game kept some quality rivals on the sideline.
While he isn't the quickest winger in the country, Wulf possesses a mistake-free style and a remarkable propensity in the tackle and under high balls considering his background.
He hoped to repay the faith of the All Blacks coaches, who made room for him on the left wing by dropping Blues teammate Anthony Tuitavake and shifting Sitiveni Sivivatu to the right wing.
As Wulf runs out it would be no surprise if his mind flashes back to those endless weeks spent watching television and cursing the itchy halo brace that couldn't be removed.
There were visits from Blues teammates Keven Mealamu and Derren Witcombe to maintain sanity while Wulf well remembers a surprise guest in the hospital - England veteran No 8 Lawrence Dallaglio not long after he suffered an injury that ruled him out of that year's Lions tour of New Zealand.
"That lifted my spirits. He just said to hang in there, everything's going to be all right."
Wulf managed to keep a sense of humour throughout the grim period when a normal life, let alone a return rugby, were uncertain.
He asked to keep the halo brace as a souvenir when it was removed, "just for the memories", and was surprised to be declined.
And an important life lesson had been learned, one that will apply when he enters swimming pools around the world.
"I make sure I know the depth first. And it's mainly feet first now."
- NZPA
