Rugby: Plumtree recalls memories of Jerry Collins

John Plumtree has recalled fond memories of Jerry Collins. Photo / Getty Images

When John Plumtree moved to South Africa to work on the coaching staff at the Sharks in 2007, there was one man that everyone wanted to know about.

"The players over there were always asking: 'What's Jerry Collins like?'," Plumtree recalled today. "He was the guy. They asked me more about him than anyone and I just said: 'Man, that guy was unbelievable'. He was a tough, tough player. The way he prepared for the contest, the way he went in to the contest, his contribution to the contest, how he was with the team afterwards, young players - a colossus of a man. I just loved coaching Jerry because he was uncomplicated. He would stick with the plan. He trained the hardest in the gym, trained the hardest out here [on the field]. He was just a pleasure to coach."

Plumtree coached the Wellington provincial side from 2001-2006 during a time where All Blacks played for their provinces on a regular basis. He is now an assistant at the Hurricanes.

Collins, who passed away in a car accident in France last week, made his debut for Wellington in 1999 and went on to represent them nearly 50 times before he left to play overseas in 2008. He also amassed 85 caps for the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes were rocked by the news of the death of the former All Black and the team found out only just over an hour before last Friday's match with the Highlanders in Napier.

Chris Boyd's men were able to put their emotions aside as they hammered the Highlanders 56-20 with Ma'a Nonu, a long-time teammate of Collins, scoring two tries.

Plumtree said the side planned to honour Collins in some way in the future but the details were still unconfirmed.

The Hurricanes will meet the Chiefs in New Plymouth on Saturday night in their final game of the regular season. The match is of little consequence for the Hurricanes given they will top the standings but the Chiefs, who have a playoff berth confirmed, can influence where they finish on the log.

"We know the attitude's got to be absolutely on the money when we go to New Plymouth this weekend," Plumtree said.

"There will be a big crowd up there. We are playing against a great side, a champion side. So attitude is hugely important for us. We know that if it's not right, we'll get a hiding."

Nonu won't play on Saturday as he takes his second rest of the season, as is the requirement for All Blacks. He was meant to rest last week but injuries forced the veteran on to the bench as cover.

Loose forward Blade Thomson picked up an ankle problem in the win over the Highlanders and was still in a moon boot today but Plumtree said he couldn't confirm whether he would be available on Saturday.

Taranaki used to align with the Hurricanes but they switched their allegiance to the Chiefs in late 2013, something which still irks Plumtree who is from Hawera in southern Taranaki.

"I know when I go there, all my mates support the Hurricanes," Plumtree said.

The Hurricanes will get a bye during the first week of the playoffs but look set to host a semifinal in Wellington on Saturday, June 27.