Opinion: Hard work pays off for Kerr-Barlow

Tawera Kerr-Barlow’s selection in the All Blacks for Rugby World Cup caps off nearly a year of hard work, rehab, and dedication that was noticed by few outsiders.

Kerr-Barlow spent Super Rugby 2015 around the Chiefs camp, was seen at media sessions week after week, but never walked onto the field once, not even at training.

Kerr-Barlow was nursing two substantial injuries.

The halfback damaged both the anterior and medial cruciate ligaments in his right knee, and also tore the hamstring off the bone in the same leg while playing for the All Blacks last year.

Ruled out for nine months, it appeared as though Kerr-Barlow’s chances for a trip to England for the World Cup were gone.

Kerr-Barlow wasn’t available for media interviews throughout the duration of the Super Rugby season, but rumors were always  rampant about how hard the halfback was working behind the scenes.

Kerr-Barlow would walk past the media, smiling as usual, but he never revealed just how badly he wanted to get back in the black jersey.

Make no mistake about it, Kerr-Barlow was hell bent on not only recovering in time to make the World Cup, but coming back  at a level above and beyond.

Kerr-Barlow had one chance to impress All Black selectors when he played for Waikato in round two of the ITM Cup against Manawatu, and it appears he did enough to prove he can still perform at  international level.

The one early indication is that Kerr-Barlow is faster on his feet and with the pass. Many will say that his selection in the All Blacks for the World Cup is down to a proven ability to perform off the bench, not based on current form.

It is difficult to grade  Kerr-Barlow  in terms of his ability to perform  for the All Blacks because ITM Cup rugby clearly is a significant step down from international standards.

Kerr-Barlow has been selected for his astounding work ethic and, for that alone, is deserving of his World Cup spot.