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  • NZ Rugby World

    KA MATE KA MATE

    Jun 17, 2021 4 minutes

    I remember it like it was yesterday. It was early April 2006. An unknown number appeared on my mobile. I usually never answer but for some reason I did.

    “Hello is that Bailey?”

    The voice sounded familiar, very familiar.

    I respond, yes, yes it is. “Graham Henry here.”

    I froze. Like most New Zealand males getting a call from the All Blacks coach is beyond comprehension. I had dreamt about this day my whole life. Finally selected in the All Blacks was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream!

    This was also set against the fact I had a serious lack of talent or that I wasn’t even playing club rugby at the time! “I was given your number by (my old schoolmate and

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