Rugby World Cup: Crockett ready to rock it in scrum

Wyatt Crockett has adjusted his technique and wants to make an impact against France tomorrow in Cardiff. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Crusaders’ loosehead prop set for biggest game of his life at Millennium Stadium and keen to fill big hole left by Woodcock’s injury

One player's injury is another's gain, and prop Wyatt Crockett, who has suffered his share of misfortunes, is poised to capitalise on Tony Woodcock's withdrawal from the Rugby World Cup tournament, and effectively, international rugby.

The true measure of Woodcock, says Crockett, is the way the injured former Blues player has decided to stay at the World Cup and help the All Blacks in their quest to retain their title, starting with France in the quarter-final in Cardiff tomorrow.

But Crockett, who will start at loosehead prop at the Millennium Stadium, has shown that same commitment and more over the years - starting with his test debut in 2009 against Italy in Milan in which he was unfairly penalised time and again at the scrum.

That reputation as an illegal scrummager hurt - to the point where he is reluctant to talk about it. But, having made adjustments to his technique, the 32-year-old has developed into an excellent impact player for the All Blacks, a role which is about to change into a starting position.

He has also been a loyal and effective campaigner at the Crusaders over the years and his decision to turn his back on overseas offers and sign a new deal with New Zealand Rugby which will keep him in the country until the end of 2018 is about to pay dividends.

"It's massive, it's probably the biggest game of my life. It is the biggest game of my life - a World Cup quarter-final," Crockett, who has started in only half of his 44 tests, says.

"It is an opportunity but I just want to play my part for the team.

"I couldn't care less about whether I started or came off the bench or sat in the stands. I just want this team to win this weekend - that's what we're here to do. I have to make sure I do it right, it's all very well getting the start but I have to do my job and get us on the front foot in those early scrums and around the park as well."

The All Blacks have had their scrum issues at this World Cup. But on the whole they are satisfied because while the opposition - particularly Namibia and Georgia - have been attempting to limit the overall damage by holding the ball in the set piece in the hope of winning a penalty, the ABs' own ball has been excellent to the point they have scored tries off it.

"On our ball it's been really good," Crockett says. "We're really happy with that.

"On opposition ball they have kept the ball in and worked a few different angles and had us going backwards. That's the massive area of growth where we need to get to. We have been working really hard to try to combat some of those angles and that movement. Hopefully we can show that this weekend."

There will be no damage limitation by France tomorrow at the Millennium Stadium. They will take the field knowing they can win but must attack to do so - and it's here that the All Blacks can win some advantage. An attacking team can leave themselves open to the counter, a form of the game the All Blacks are the best in the world at.

"There is a genuine fear of losing this game and that creates a real edge and excitement in this group," Crocket says. "I've certainly noticed that at training ... and having been in this team for a while it's exciting when that happens because the boys bring out their best game."