David Havili: From school bench-warmer to Crusaders
David Havili of the Crusaders runs in a try during the Investec Super Rugby game between the Crusaders v Cheetahs at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.
Back in 2006 a new grandstand was opened at Sports Park Motueka to small fanfare. Traditional rivals Huia and Riwaka played each other to mark the occasion, a few hundred people packed into the ground and there was a kick for cash at half-time.
One of the Huia juniors decided to take a pot. His name was David Havili and he missed the kick. He was beaten by a bloke in a Crusaders cap.
Back then Havili was a promising talent. He had a dream to become a professional rugby player, but his missed kick proved he still had a bit to work on, even if he had taken the shot out of a shoe.
In 2006, David Havili attempts to kick a goal in a kick-for-cash competition at half time during a Riwaka-Huia rugby game at the Sportspark Motueka Grandstand.
Today, he still a promising talent, but his game has gone to a whole new level -- kicks like that would be light work -- and it didn't take long for him to realise his professional rugby dream.
In an ironic way, the Crusaders cap Havili got this year was a bit different to the one for the kick for cash winner had all those years ago.
The 20-year-old made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders against the Lions on March 14. He has since played seven more times, scoring two tries. He has certainly held his own in his debut season, coming up against players who looked up to at school -- the likes of All Blacks Julian Savea and Cory Jane.
David Havili in action during a Tasman Makos vs Otago ITM Cup game at Trafalgar Park.
"I've always wanted to be a rugby player but I never thought it'd come this quick," Havili explains. "I was pretty shocked to get my first cap and I feel very privileged to play for them. I've racked up eight caps so along as I keep playing well and keep doing what the coach tells me to do, hopefully I can get another crack as well."
The son of former Nelson Bays winger Bill Havili, David grew up in Motueka and played his junior rugby for Huia. He then went through the age grades at Motueka High School before switching to Nelson College for Year 13.
Now, you would assume Havili would have been a star of the Nelson College First XV. But that would be wrong. He only made three appearances for the First XV and spent most Saturdays in the school's second or third team.
"I sat on the bench quite a lot. I guess I didn't get the opportunities back then but I was still keen to see how far rugby could take me and I persevered into club rugby."
Twelve months ago, after a breakout club season with Nelson -- where he switched from outside-back to inside-back -- Havili signed his first contract with the Tasman Rugby Union and would later be an injury replacement for the New Zealand under-20s.
At the time of signing his first contract, he was working as a builder for a family member in Motueka, but he was happy to put the tools down and start playing rugby for a job.
"I was a builder before all of this happened 12 months ago so it's been a pretty big move going from a builder to a full-time rugby player, but I'm enjoying every moment of it."
Havili was one of the many success stories from the Tasman Makos' stellar ITM Cup season, and his outstanding performances at second-five caught the attention of Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder. He was handed a wider training squad contract for 2015 and admits he was pretty nervous showing up to the same training as his idols Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.
"They're players I've looked up to since I was little. I didn't want to make any mistakes. But they're humble guys and have made me feel at home.
"They've all really helped me and have helped take the pressure off me which is good, it lets me just do my thing out there."
When asked what his expectations for his debut season were, Havili said he just wanted to learn as much as he could from coaches Blackadder and Aaron Mauger so he could come back in year two as a more developed player, ready to get some serious minutes.
But early injuries to Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl and Jone Macilai allowed Havili to work his way into the match day squad much earlier than he expected and in round four he was named on the bench against the Lions.
"There was definitely nerves, especially when I got told to come on. But as soon as I got my first touch those nerves went away and I was lucky enough to get my first start against the Sharks in South Africa not long after."
Havili said his most memorable moment of the season was his first cap and every time he takes the field with Carter and McCaw. "12 months ago I didn't think I was going to be here but it's a real honour to be playing with these world class players."
But for the fans, their most memorable moment might be watching replays of Havili side-step Sonny Bill Williams -- a move that saw the Chiefs and All Blacks superstar slip to the ground. One version of the video even has 160,000 views, so it didn't go unnoticed.
"When I got home I had about 1000 notifications. It was quite funny."
Though he isn't in the squad for Friday's game against the Reds, Havili said he will be doing everything he can to get back in the starting team, especially with their match against the Hurricanes in Nelson on May 29 just on the horizon.
"I'd definitely be keen to get out there on the home ground and play on Shark Park and put a good performance on for Nelson."
