He may be the only All Black in this Rugby World Cup to have not seen a second of game time but replacement half back Byron Kelleher believes he can rip the tail off the Wallabies, if he gets the chance.
Speaking to rugby news service, Kelleher said he is ready to erupt in the colossal semi final against the Wallabies this Saturday at Sydney’s Telstra Stadium.
"This is an opportunity ... I am like a Coke can that's been dumped a few times before being opened - full of fizz."
Ever since France
The 27-year-old Dunedin-born 24-test halfback has had plenty of time to reflect ever since the RWC 1999 semi final in which he ran on against France and lost 43-31.
"The bounce of the ball was pretty horrible that day and it did favour the French," he said. "In saying that, there were a couple of things we lapsed upon.
"But this is a different team, with a different structure. And to be at another World Cup is awesome feeling. There's a good vibe in this team at the moment."
Known, like starting All Black half back Justin Marshall, for the full frontal physicality he brings to the game, Kelleher prompted that nothing would change if he gets the chance on Saturday.
"I like harassing my opponent, I like getting in their faces," he said.
On George
Rival scrum half George Gregan is a player whose performance he has a history of upsetting and, being numero uno on his hit list, likely to receive a bit of special attention.
But Kelleher is remaining coy on the subject.
"He's a competitive character," said Kelleher of Gregan. "I love playing against guys that are competitive and I hope to get an opportunity to get on the field so I can compete against him.”
Gregan and the Wallabies will be wary but who knows what will happen if the Kelleher cap is uncorked this Saturday.