A Word with... Andy Ellis

Friday, July 27, 2007 5:00

World Cup bolter Andy Ellis talks to Nick Tolerton

# Congratulations, Andy. Did it take you long to come down to earth?

Being back with the Canterbury boys, they put you back in step pretty quickly. But Sunday was all overwhelming and I had a big grin on my face all day.

# When you were playing for the Junior All Blacks, did you think you were still in the World Cup frame or did you just go out and enjoy your football?

I did think the halfbacks they took (for the Tri Nations) would be the ones for the World Cup, but at the same time I did want to work really hard and really try to put pressure on, and did everything I could. I didn't want to sit back at the end of this year and think maybe I could have worked a bit harder during the middle of the year. That's sort of my attitude. You stick at it and you work hard and something like this pops up and it shows all that hard work's worth it.

# Obviously you went up a gear with the Juniors after Super 14? What made the difference?

Getting more confidence back with the Junior ABs, you know. It was a bit tough just playing every second week with the Crusaders, and couldn't get that good continuity and start working with your 10s and the combinations that you need to be doing. So it was good, it got confidence up and I started to enjoy my footie. And I thought to myself, I'll have a go if I see opportunities on and I won't be as safe as I was maybe in the Super 14.

# Can you force yourself ahead of Byron or Brendon in France?

I'd like to think so. Again, I'm head down, mate, and work really hard on anything I need to work on. I'm starting to understand the halfback role a little bit better. The halfback is one of those sort of real experienced positions, and just when to run and who should be running at different areas of the field and stuff like that, my game's developed quite a lot.

# What's your French like?

Bonjour. Oui. That's me, mate. That's all I've got. I didn't do it at school.

# Hard to imagine, but will you be seen and not heard in the ABs' camp?

I'd better sit up the front I wouldn't want to go and challenge the back seat too soon. I'd be a bit brave if I did that. I'll be keeping my head down but there's always a bit of tongue in cheek from the halfback, isn't there?

# What's the funniest thing you've seen on the field?

A lot of things. This morning old Wyatt Crocket was running and tripped over the wee fence at Malvern Park and fell on his face that was quite funny. If you stick with guys like Wyatt or Mose, then usually there's a lot of funny moments.

# What's the ideal night out, if newly-engaged guys are allowed them?

I like a good feed at the Lone Star. Then any of those little bars that are popping up around Poplar Lane and off Lichfield St. Those wee spots are pretty good. I always like going there with a few of the boys.

# Worst roomie?

Forwards aren't great roomies. They're just messy, they leave stuff lying around, they break wind, don't flush the toilet. Favourite movie?

I'm a big Die Hard 1 fan. Haven't seen the latest one.

TV?

I was into Prison Break. I like Boston Legal, The Simpsons, Family Guy, anything with a bit of humour.

What do you switch off?

# Can't stand Shortland Street.