Still a Bay boy after a southern sojourn

Tanerau Latimer is only 20 but has gained a lot from his Super 14 experience already. Picture / Bay of Plenty Times

When Richie McCaw was left out of the Crusaders team against the Bulls for a second consecutive game this year, questions were asked.

Not only about the health of the All Black skipper, but also, on the back of a couple of ordinary performances against the Force and Stormers, whether his replacement was up to the job.

Tanerau Latimer gave the footballing equivalent of a single digit salute to the doubters, bagging two tries as the Crusaders got back on track in emphatic style.

Eyebrows were raised when the Crusaders picked up Latimer in the draft.

But they rarely make judgmental cockups down there and they have the knack of turning good players into top performers as well.

Remember, Latimer's only experience at provincial level was a few minutes off the bench for Bay of Plenty against Northland last year, as he did his apprenticeship behind the likes of Nili Latu and Matua Parkinson.

Then again, he'd had two years under Gordon Tietjens in the New Zealand sevens squad and had been a national secondary schools representative in 2004.

His uncles include former All Black wing George Skudder and longtime New Zealand Maori coach Matt Te Pou, so he registered at least a decent-sized blip on the rugby radar.

But when Latimer runs onto Westpac Stadium tonight, he'll be up against All Black Chris Masoe and, as the Bay aren't the Crusaders, with all due respect, it will be a tough examination for the 20-year-old from Te Puke.

Still, he's a different player from the one who headed down to Christchurch at the start of the year.

"It was a big surprise," he said of his callup from Robbie Deans.

"The major thing I learned was the attitude of the players towards not just their rugby but life outside rugby, away from the field.

"When it came to training and time to switch on they did; when it was time to switch off, it was boots off and away to spend time with their mates and family."

So what does Latimer, whose game exudes pace, power and skill, reckon is the key to the Crusaders' longevity at the top of Super rugby?

A pause, then "I can't put my finger on it mate. I tried to figure it out but I couldn't - and they're not going to tell me," he laughed.

He had five appearances for the Crusaders but the Bulls was his first start, and on reflection he says the game was "a joy to play".

"Everything seemed to work well, the boys were fired up and as soon as we ran out you could see in their eyes it was going to be a good night for us."

Christchurch was excellent for the former Tauranga Boys College first XV captain's development, but he's a Bay boy deep down, whose rugby home is the Rangiuru club, and wants to do his bit in creating a competitive team and a successful Air New Zealand Cup campaign.

"I couldn't wait to come home. I just learned so much and want to help the boys do well."

New Bay coach Andre Bell is effusive about the gifted opensider and believes the professionalism Latimer experienced at the Crusaders will be a significant help.

"His time there was invaluable. He's only 20, but he's certainly a mature 20. Being in that environment can only improve him," Bell said.

Bell noticed one day at training this week, Latimer was out working overtime with one of the Bay skills coaches long after the whistle had gone to end the session. He puts that down to the Crusaders influence.

So does Latimer.

"I didn't know about doing extras before I went down there.

"I thought when the coach said it was over, it was over and it was back to the changing room," he said.

"Down there, after training the guys are still out there, whether it's kicking, running or passing, and you could see the effect it had.

"I took that on board. Actually, I did see quite a few boys out there after training today," he said, a pointer that perhaps the lesson is being handed on.

Latimer spent 2004 and 2005 in the national sevens team, including going to the World Cup in Hong Kong last year.

He's been firmly tagged One To Watch, but Latimer, who has built a reputation for a strong work ethic, to go with rich talent, switches off when he hears the talk.

He acknowledges it can help give a psychological boost, can help the self-confidence, but ultimately there are only a small number of people whose views really matter.

This season, his rugby moved up a step when he took part in the Churchill Cup tournament with New Zealand Maori in San Francisco in June.

Latimer formed a strong loose forward trio with Waikato men, captain Jono Gibbes and Liam Messam as the Maori beat Scotland 52-17 to win the trophy for the second time in three years.

When Bay of Plenty exceeded expectations and made the NPC semifinals in 2004, it was under the inspiring captaincy of Wayne Ormond.

Chiefs prop Ben Castle is leading the Bay this season and they've got a decent pack to lay the foundation for their challenge to make the top six of the new competition.

They are in pool A, which looks to be the tougher of the two from which to advance to the latter stages of the cup. It won't be easy.

But keep an eye on Latimer and when those guessing games come up pondering who might be running out for the All Blacks in the 2011 World Cup, remember the name.

TANERAU LATIMER

Born: May 6, 1986, Te Puke
Height: 1.84m
Weight: 96kg
Position: Flanker
Teams: Bay of Plenty (one appearance off bench last year), Crusaders (five appearances Super 14), New Zealand Maori, New Zealand Sevens, New Zealand secondary schools