Flavell trial resumes with Blues

Troy Flavell is off to a good re-start, training with the Blues on Wednesday. Picture / Dean Purcell

It was time to experiment. The All Blacks' opening test against Tonga in 2000 was a perfect chance to blood another lock, to check some of the talent if frontliner Norm Maxwell was injured.

By a neat coincidence, North Harbour Stadium in Albany was also an ideal arena to showcase one of the union's rising stars. And Troy Flavell made quite a splash as he thundered in for three tries by halftime.

A gifted athlete, Flavell hinted at a long career in black if he could build on that beginning.

Six years later and there is no verdict. But at least the judgment can resume after Flavell finished his two-year contract in Japan and picked up his Super 14 kit with the Blues.

The last time he wore that uniform, Flavell was handed a 2003 series-ending suspension for trampling on Chiefs hooker Greg Smith.

It compounded the "bad boy" image he spoke about on his return this week from Japan, an impression he was determined to shed.

That will be difficult as shown by a recent poll of Australian Super 14 players who rated Flavell the third dirtiest player behind De Wet Barry and Bakkies Botha, even though Flavell had been out of Southern Hemisphere action since early 2003.

"It was fair to say I was no angel a few years ago," Flavell conceded. "I know I have got to control my aggression, play disciplined rugby and be on the field playing consistent rugby."

The sentiments were not lost on All Black coach Graham Henry who has kept in touch with Flavell and is keen to see how the 1.95m, 111kg utility forward fronts in the Super 14.

Flavell's international career stalled at 15 tests through injury, inconsistency and indiscipline although the current panel have admired his potential.

"It was true that I was keen for him to stay," Henry said yesterday. "However I have spoken to him three or four times in Japan. I did not twist his arm to come back. He wants to play for the All Blacks."

Flavell's former coach at Toyota, Errol Brain, said that had been the forward's goal when he took up his contract in Japan.

"He needed time away. He had a few dramas on and off the field, but his plan was always to come back after a spell and have a decent crack at the All Blacks," said Brain. "Troy worked hard on his game in Japan, and he was a key player for the club. His stats were always first-class, his workrate high. He was not there on holiday."

Brain thought Flavell might be better suited to lock at the international level because of his ability to hit rucks and mauls, to work in the tight and setphases.

"He will be ready for Super 14 and wherever they want to play him because he will be match-hardened. He has built up his contact fitness."

Henry was sure the time away in Japan had matured Flavell. He had to be the senior pro for his club and also manage his family, and all those experiences would help in his homecoming.

"Reports I had said he was very committed in his rugby in Japan," said Henry. "We will get in contact with him in the near future. We will discuss him now for sure.

"I read what he said in the paper the other day and was impressed.

"There are no guarantees though, and like many others he is a prospect with about 50 or 60 others for international rugby ...

"There will be a lot of competition for six and lock, which was not probably the case when he left."

There was no secret to success for Flavell and his rugby. As he noted, he had to play well and with discipline.