Since our inception in 1994 ten All Blacks have donned their whites during the rugby “off season” and had a run at Jaguar Oval. This special group includes (with the number of caps in brackets):
Ben Blair (4) – St Andrews College 1st XI (1995 & 1996); Willows member since 2013
Robbie Deans (5) – Flaxton (1996); Hawkswood since 1995; Willows member since 1999
Andy Ellis (28) – Willows member since 2000 Richie McCaw (148) – Willows member since
2016
Leon MacDonald (56) – Hawkswood Wanderers 2005
Aaron Mauger (46) – Willows member since 2011 Kieran Read (100*) – Willows member since 2013
James Ryan (9) – Christ’s College 1st XI (1997- 99) & Peninsula Craz 2010
Colin Slade (21) – Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XI 2002
Tom Taylor (3) – Burnside High School 1st XI 2003
As well, a sprinkling of “Super” rugby men have also made appearances. Names that spring to mind are the Crusaders backs: David Havili (Nelson College 1st XI 2012), Mitchell Drummond (Nelson College 1st XI 2010) and Tyler Bleyendaal (Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XI 2006) and the Highlanders forwards: Andy Rich (Dunedin Cavaliers 2000- 08) and Joe Wheeler (Marlborough Boys’ College 1st XI 2003-05). In fact Joe, in Year 13, almost single-handedly steered his 1st XI to a meritorious victory over The Willows in 2005. That day he scored 97 runs and in a spell delivered a brisk 8 overs (taking 2 for 18) for a “man-of-the-match” performance.
Finally, New Zealand rugby’s leading contractual and legal representative for players Warren Alcock (Dunedin Cavaliers 1996-2003) opened the batting each time against The Willows and managed an excellent half-century in one match.
Special thanks to the above-mentioned multi- talented sportsmen – your presence has not only enhanced cricket at The Willows but brought great joy to those in attendance.