Rugby: Comeback kid Brooke on verge of 100

By WYNNE GRAY

Two months ago Robin Brooke's outstanding Auckland rugby career was on the skids, though he was being courted by North Harbour to continue his sporting life.

Tomorrow night Brooke will emulate older brother Zinzan and join those who have played 100 matches for Auckland, ironically against his recent prospective employers Harbour.

"I thought I was finished on 95 games, absolutely dead and buried," the 33-year-old lock said yesterday after his change of fortune.

After the Super 12 and some discussion with Auckland coach Wayne Pivac, Brooke knew his provincial life was at best tenuous.

The coaching staff wanted to look to the future more and use Leo Lafaiali'i and Charles Riechelmann as their primary locks.

The backup was going to come from Tom Curtis, Bradley Mika, Dylan Mika and, perhaps, Jason Chandler.

"I was a fair way down the list," Brooke said yesterday.

"I think I was No 7 but I knew what the coaches were trying to do. I also knew they would look at me again if they got a few injuries.

"I thought about going to Harbour, but was still holding out the chance of a few more games for Auckland."

That call came just one match into the NPC.

With Riechelmann injured and Curtis in the team to partner Lafaiali'i against Counties Manukau, Brooke sat on the bench.

Even that was a short stint.

Curtis had a stomach muscle problem and after 30 minutes was dragged off, with Brooke taking his place.

The impact from the veteran of 62 All Black tests was significant.

Lineouts became tighter, kickoffs were claimed, mauls were organised - Brooke was back and, apart from a sternum injury which kept him out of the Wellington match, has been an automatic selection.

"I do chuckle to myself a fair bit about it all," Brooke confessed.

"It has been weird, but I am really enjoying the rugby, my body is in good shape because of my new personal trainer, I am training in supermarket management as well and that is good for my perspective on life."

Pivac has kept the same pack but has made two backline changes for tomorrow's match at Eden Park.

Halfback Steve Devine and fullback Adrian Cashmore have recovered from injuries which kept them out of the Northland match.

Harbour are also assessing their choices, with first five-eighths Marc Ellis and Willie Walker bracketed at first five-eighths, although flanker Matua Parkinson has lost his battle to recover from his back trouble.

Pivac was delighted Brooke had been able to answer the SOS and show he was still a top-class lock.

"At the time we made the call and wanted to go without him," he said.

"We had seen him play in club football and it was the right decision. Then Riechelmann and Curtis got injured and it was the spur Rob needed.

"When he was omitted initially, he still trained on. I think he was motivated to get to a hundred and was not ready to retire," Pivac said.

"We told him if there were injuries he would be back and now it is hard to leave him out.

"In the end if recalling Robin Brooke is the best thing for Auckland rugby and he ends up starring that is okay.

"I would do exactly the same thing again."

Pivac also considers the original axing of Brooke and seasoned centre Eroni Clarke was a signal to the rest of the squad that they had to produce quality rugby consistently.

For Brooke it gave him the necessary impetus.

"Now I really have no expectation of playing for the All Blacks, so that mental pressure has gone. I have the luxury of playing with a clear head, without that sort of worry hanging about."