"I think the key was expecting things to happen. If you hope for the best and don't prepare for it when adversity comes you're not ready for it. Everyone dug as deep as they can." – Richie McCaw
What a sensational, nail biting victory it was over France. Although the All Blacks were always the favourites to win the final match, this World Cup hasn’t always been smooth sailing for our boys in black.The initial First XV line up started off strong with a solid winning squad, but I can still remember that fatal day when it was announced Dan Carter would not be able to play because he injured his groin. Suddenly, it seemed like the whole nation was in tears. Followed by what seemed like injuries left, right and centre, with players falling out of the team like flies. There were too many moments where it felt like New Zealand’s chance to win the World Cup was definitely over. Yet fast forward to Sunday 30th October and the country hasn’t stopped partying since 11pm. How did they do it? What was the secret behind the All Blacks standing up strong in the face of adversity and becoming victorious? Each member of the All Blacks faced their own challenges and have their own journey to tell, from Richie McCaw on his injured foot to unlikely hero Stephen Donald, but today my story focuses on the young Aaron Cruden whose battle with adversity took him on a turbulent rollercoaster ride ending up here today as one of the youngest and smallest members of the All Blacks playing one of the biggest roles in bringing home the World Cup.
Aaron Cruden wasn’t even born when New Zealand last won the Rugby World
Cup in 1987. In 2008 aged 19, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He was due to have his left testical removed only days after a crucial match for the Ranfurly Shield. He didn’t tell his team because he didn’t want to distract them, played the game in the weekend and got his operation the following Monday. Unfortunately, the cancer had spread to his lungs and he had to undergo chemotherapy.
"At that age I thought I was invincible; I was 19 and thought I could take on the world. It was a harsh reality check. It’s a harsh way to learn not to take what you have for granted, but I appreciate everything a bit more now."
– Aaron Cruden
Thankfully, the treatment was successful and despite all odds and a testament to Cruden’s determination he made an outstanding comeback. He became the captain of the New Zealand Under 20s leading them to win the Junior World Cup and was also named the IRB Junior Player of the year. His debut in the Super 14s was too good for Graham Henry to ignore and on 30 May 2010 Cruden was selected into the All Blacks Squad.
"It is a reminder he has won tougher battles than any he will encounter on the rugby pitch. He came out of [the cancer scare] mentally tougher than other kids are at his age." – Stu Cruden (Aaron Cruden’s father)
However his debut playing in the Bledisloe Cup wearing the No. 10 jersey was not spectacular and he missed out on being selected for the original 30 man World Cup squad for New Zealand. Instead the story goes he was skateboarding around his hometown, watching the RWC from the sidelines and preparing for a trip to Disneyland when he was called to back up Colin Slade who was replacing Dan Carter. Only nine days later, Slade sustained a similar groin injury to Carter and the responsibility of the All Blacks first five eighth fell to Cruden.
“He had big boots to fill. You will never fill Dan Carter’s boots, but he can fill his own. He’s his own person and that’s important." – Stu Cruden
The match against Argentina, he played with confidence and flair and his game continued to be solid against Australia. He was the starting first five eighth for the final match against France. Unfortunately in the 34th minute Cruden’s World Cup fairy tale was abruptly cut short when his right knee hyper extended and he became the third member to join Carter’s cursed No.10 club. He was replaced by Stephen Donald. The All Blacks were victorious and Aaron Cruden on crutches joined the rest of his team mates to collect a well-deserved Gold Medal.
"I don't think words can really describe it at this point but I'm just very honoured and humbled to be given this opportunity and be a part of what is now a winning World Cup team here on home soil." - Aaron Cruden
Adversity... it hits us at the worst and best of times. The biggest challenge is to understand that while we might not be able to control what occurs in the world, we can control how we react. With Aaron Cruden lending us his story we’ve picked three tips to help you JOLT your life forward when adversity comes knocking on your door.
Tip #1: Rally your support network
Cruden had the support of his family and friends during his cancer scare and they were the number one reason that he got through the tough times in his life. Gather those that you trust and keep them close. They are the ones with the wisest advice, the widest open arms to help, the sweetest words of comfort all combined with excessive amount of love. With the right support network you will find you can get through anything.
Tip #2: Develop an action plan
When the unthinkable happens, take a step back to clear your mind and try to see things from a new perspective. Learn to meditate, take a road trip, play a sport or read a book. So take time out and when you return you can assess the situation and develop an action plan on how to tackle the problem to move forward. Cruden found his motivation in sporting heroes who were also cancer survivors. Lance Armstrong’s book and Buck Shelford’s similar battle gave him the strength and inspiration to plan his own battle.
Tip #3: Define your attitude
Will you be a victim or a champion? Confront the problem and prepare your mind and accept reality has changed. Try deliberately taking on a positive attitude. Writing some benefits or advantages of the situation can be useful. You can also visualise how you will feel and where you will be when you overcome the obstacle. Choose your attitude and rise to the challenge. During his 9 weeks of chemotherapy, Cruden kept positivity at the top of his mind and was already plotting his return to the rugby fields from his hospital bed.
"Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records."- William A.Ward
