Jerry Collins, la curiosita' porta la Nord

[Pukana]

Rugby: Collins takes time out for seconds
8:45AM Wednesday October 31, 2007

Jerry Collins' well-known thirst for rugby remains undiminished after the New Zealand's World Cup demise with the All Blacks flanker making a surprise guest appearance for an English club last weekend.

Collins, who regularly turns out for his Wellington club team Norths when international commitments allow, shocked players and staff at the Newton Abbot club in Devon when he turned up to play for their second 15 opponents Barnstaple last weekend.

Collins scored one of Barnstaple's three tries during their 21-7 victory in the Devon Merit Table competition.

Despite Collins playing a key role for the visitors, Newton Abbey coach Phil Burford was delighted to see Collins run on.

"I think the second team lads were pinching themselves," he said.

"I don't think he was quite firing on all cylinders but he made three try-saving tackles.

"The loyalty of the crowd was interesting. Barnstaple brought a lot down here, and I think a lot of the fans were torn between watching the first team and the second team."

Collins' next rugby assignment in next year's Super 14 campaign with the Hurricanes.