Cowan's revival caps off outstanding year
December 19, 2008
There was no shortage of feel-good New Zealand rugby stories during 2008, topped obviously by the All Blacks' winning ways.
But it wasn't the only impressive comeback played out on the international rugby arena, something All Black halfback Jimmy Cowan is certainly testament to.
Cowan finished the season ranked as the All Blacks' No 1 halfback.
That was no mean achievement considering he missed out altogether when the initial All Black squad of the year was confirmed in late May.
And as the year played out, it certainly wasn't the only stumbling block that stood in the way of Cowan and his dream of finally securing a regular spot in the All Blacks - something he had been unable to do since making his debut in the black jersey in 2004.
A series of off-field incidents put Cowan's career in New Zealand rugby in jeopardy, just a month into the All Blacks' test season.
Following an NZRU disciplinary hearing, Cowan was fined, ordered to undertake counselling and also placed on a booze ban.
The message was clear - any more slip ups and his NZRU contract would be torn up.
Cowan could have gone one of two ways after his public lambasting.
Some might have spat the dummy and self-destructed. The easy way out would have been to just turn his back on New Zealand rugby and head off-shore.
Or Cowan could have got on with what he does best, impress on the rugby field, and approach his challenges with the same tenacity he does with the No 9 jersey on his back.
Thankfully he chose the latter.
In his first start in the All Black run-on 15 since 2006, Cowan showed just what he is capable of in the international arena in the All Blacks' 39-10 win over the Wallabies at Eden Park.
He was outstanding behind an impressive All Black pack, providing sharp delivery to Daniel Carter, unleashing his trademark sniping runs and directing the All Blacks around the field with some classy tactical kicking.
After his off-field troubles, Cowan went on to become one of the best performers in the black jersey in 2008.
By season's end the proud Highlander was involved in a tight battle with Piri Weepu, another player who made a stunning rugby comeback, for the No 9 jersey.
Weepu must have come close to securing the starting spot in the latter stages of the All Blacks' season-ending tour.
But Cowan held onto his place, in the process unleashing a stunning showing in the final test of the tour, the 32-6 win over England at Twickenham.
Cowan's deeds have set him up well for 2009.
Given the uncertainty over Brendon Leonard's chronic knee injury, the duo of Cowan and Weepu will be leading the way in the battle for the All Blacks' halfback spot for their first test of the new year.
And after the barriers that Cowan has overcome in 2008, the likelihood of him running out onto Carisbrook ahead of the mid-June clash against France with the No 9 jersey on his back shouldn't be discounted.
What stood out for you during the 2008 rugby season?
And who was your All Black of the year?
But it wasn't the only impressive comeback played out on the international rugby arena, something All Black halfback Jimmy Cowan is certainly testament to.
Cowan finished the season ranked as the All Blacks' No 1 halfback.
That was no mean achievement considering he missed out altogether when the initial All Black squad of the year was confirmed in late May.
And as the year played out, it certainly wasn't the only stumbling block that stood in the way of Cowan and his dream of finally securing a regular spot in the All Blacks - something he had been unable to do since making his debut in the black jersey in 2004.
A series of off-field incidents put Cowan's career in New Zealand rugby in jeopardy, just a month into the All Blacks' test season.
Following an NZRU disciplinary hearing, Cowan was fined, ordered to undertake counselling and also placed on a booze ban.
The message was clear - any more slip ups and his NZRU contract would be torn up.
Cowan could have gone one of two ways after his public lambasting.
Some might have spat the dummy and self-destructed. The easy way out would have been to just turn his back on New Zealand rugby and head off-shore.
Or Cowan could have got on with what he does best, impress on the rugby field, and approach his challenges with the same tenacity he does with the No 9 jersey on his back.
Thankfully he chose the latter.
In his first start in the All Black run-on 15 since 2006, Cowan showed just what he is capable of in the international arena in the All Blacks' 39-10 win over the Wallabies at Eden Park.
He was outstanding behind an impressive All Black pack, providing sharp delivery to Daniel Carter, unleashing his trademark sniping runs and directing the All Blacks around the field with some classy tactical kicking.
After his off-field troubles, Cowan went on to become one of the best performers in the black jersey in 2008.
By season's end the proud Highlander was involved in a tight battle with Piri Weepu, another player who made a stunning rugby comeback, for the No 9 jersey.
Weepu must have come close to securing the starting spot in the latter stages of the All Blacks' season-ending tour.
But Cowan held onto his place, in the process unleashing a stunning showing in the final test of the tour, the 32-6 win over England at Twickenham.
Cowan's deeds have set him up well for 2009.
Given the uncertainty over Brendon Leonard's chronic knee injury, the duo of Cowan and Weepu will be leading the way in the battle for the All Blacks' halfback spot for their first test of the new year.
And after the barriers that Cowan has overcome in 2008, the likelihood of him running out onto Carisbrook ahead of the mid-June clash against France with the No 9 jersey on his back shouldn't be discounted.
What stood out for you during the 2008 rugby season?
And who was your All Black of the year?
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