Jimmy takes it in his stride

Jimmy Gopperth was sitting on the bench during the All Blacks trial last week when it struck.

"'Shit', I thought, 'I'm at an All Blacks trial'," he recounted - giving an insight into what sort of year 2005 has been for the 21-year-old Wellington and Hurricanes first five-eighths.

"I never felt that I would be there that soon and it was an awesome feeling."

Until that moment, Gopperth had exemplified cool, calm and collected, despite the fact he went into this year's Super 12 having never played a game at that level, let alone started for his adopted province in the NPC.

He wasn't even expected to figure hugely in the Hurricanes' reckoning until a rib injury to Riki Flutey during pre-season shifted the goalposts and Gopperth was thrust into the opening match against the Reds.

In his distinctive fingerless gloves and fielding an untidy-looking beard, the Hurricanes pivot steered their ship and charted their course to the Super 12 semifinals. He exemplified maturity when he coolly slotted a last-minute drop goal for a crucial 12-9 win over the Stormers in Palmerston North in round five.

While a Super 12 semifinal and All Blacks trial might be akin to taking the ring to Mordor for a relatively green youngster, they are nothing compared to what Gopperth will face on Wednesday, considering the Lions could field close to their test line-up.

"Wednesday will definitely be the biggest game of my life," he said with heaviness in his voice. "But I would rather play their test team any day because imagine what it would be like if we beat them. It's a great chance to match your skill level against some of the best in the world."

That's what you get with Gopperth. One minute speaks with maturity beyond his years, then it's hard for him to mask his excitement. It comes with the territory, considering he's barely served his apprenticeship, but it also helps that he's part of a young and exciting Wellington side that is making waves in this country.

A young Jimmy Gopperth was just nine when the 1993 Lions toured New Zealand and, like a lot of kids that age, the significance of the tour didn't really hit him.

"I was at primary school, probably running around being an idiot," he said. "I remember going to the Taranaki game but at the time it was just another game of rugby. I didn't really understand the history and tradition like I do now."

There is certainly a huge amount of history and tradition in the present Lions side and lining him up on Wednesday be the likes of England hunter-gathers Richard Hill and Martin Corry. Gopperth laughs off suggestions he might be having nightmares about them.

"I don't think they'll be too much bigger than some of the South African loosies and size doesn't really worry me," he said. "I'm quite a relaxed and cruisy type of person. I take it all in and try not to get too over-excited because it can get away from you."

Success isn't likely to get away from the former New Zealand secondary schools and under-21 representative either, although he's developing in an era when there are many good, young first-fives around.

With Dan Carter likely to have a mortgage on the No 10 jersey for a while, Gopperth could find himself in a battle with Aaron Mauger, Nick Evans, Luke McAlister and Stephen Donald to become Carter's sidekick.

He might be an outside chance for the Junior All Blacks but it's clear the All Black selectors have recognised that he's a first-five who can kick off both feet, runs well, is sound defensively and is a good goal-kicker.

Of course, all those skills will come under a stiff examination by an imposing Lions pack Gopperth isn't too bothered.

"There will be nerves but it will be more excitement because only a certain number get an opportunity to play the Lions," he said.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY