The rebirth of Tana

Learning to trust senior colleagues and focus on being himself has been the catalyst for All Black captain Tana Umaga coming of age this season.

The 71-test veteran admits that he tried too hard last year to emulate legendary captains Brian Lochore and Sean Fitzpatrick and lost sight of who he was and his role within the team.

It wasn't that Umaga's form obviously suffered or that the All Blacks appeared a directionless side, but the results and performances this year point to a more ruthless, focused streak within the All Blacks and much of the credit for that belongs to the skipper.

He took stock before the end-of-season tour to Italy, Wales and France and concluded that he was borrowing too much from legendary figures and also realised that, with senior figures such as Anton Oliver and Richie McCaw in the side, he could delegate some responsibilities.

"I lost sight of who I was and what I could bring to the captaincy," said Umaga of his rookie year in charge. "I think I put too much responsibility on myself to be doing what a captain should be doing. I was trying to make sure everyone was happy and knew what was going on. I concentrated on my role off the field.

"But we have so many good leaders here that I understood I couldn't do it all myself. With Richie McCaw, Doug Howlett, Anton Oliver and other senior All Blacks, I have learned to relax a bit. We know more as a group than I would know by myself.

"You look at the great All Black captains like Brian Lochore and Sean Fitzpatrick, who just stood up and said what they expected. I think I was trying to emulate them and I lost sight that that wasn't me. I have to add my own bit to the puzzle."

The change in direction enabled Umaga to focus more on his role as a player. There were plenty of doubters who needed to be convinced that he was still worth his place in the side. Too old and too slow his detractors said.

And then Umaga delivered three performances against the Lions that had critics choking on their words.

But it wasn't the sight of Umaga smashing through flimsy red shirts that became the enduring image of that series. It was his involvement in what has now become the most talked about tackle in rugby - the alleged spearing of Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll.

It is a story that refuses to die and the storm is once again raging in the teacup. O'Driscoll has just published his tour diary, dragging up the incident for a second airing.

The release of O'Driscoll's book has - not by accident - coincided with new video footage of the incident and whipped the Irish ire back to the surface.

Umaga knows the All Blacks can expect a hostile reception in Dublin but he hopes the vitriol does not get out of hand.

"I have dealt with that and I'm trying to put it behind me," he said of the O'Driscoll incident. "There is not much I can do about that. I just have to be ready when we get to Ireland because that is where we are going. I did suggest they send me to Spain for a week.

"It will be interesting. I am more mindful of the team and how they are handled over there. It shouldn't affect us. When it happened during the Lions series it brought us all together. But that could be a one-off thing and we don't want to rely on that kind of thing to bring us all together. Hopefully it stays on the periphery and nothing gets silly."

The fact that neither O'Driscoll or Umaga are likely to play at Lansdowne Road, should help defuse the tension. Although while it may appease the Irish, Umaga's likely non-involvement will raise some hackles back in New Zealand.

The concept of the All Black skipper being rested has not yet been embraced by everyone. Umaga said he has come to accept the policy, albeit with reluctance.

He'll live with it because the coaches have been upfront about their plans. They have outlined their desire for Umaga to keep playing through to the 2007 World Cup.

Umaga, though, is not making any grand declarations about his future. He carries unhappy memories from the last World Cup and there will be a temptation to make amends in 2007.

A Grand Slam would be a nice note to bow out on. His form and authoritative captaincy this year ensure he will retire with dignity.

He also wants to give something back to Wellington rugby.

"Hopefully I'll still be involved with rugby and the Wellington Rugby Union. I want to give back to our youngsters. We have got 10 Hurricanes in this squad. It is a great feeling for me. We have got to develop that when we get back."

His proposed desire to remain within rugby circles knocks down those ever-increasing rumours he was planning a career in politics.

When it's put to him he might be angling for a life within the beehive, he laughs with astonishment.

"I have an interest in how our country is going but it's not for me. It would be too tough. Being All Black captain is something I enjoy. What they do takes a bit more."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY