A Word With... Ben May | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

Young Crusaders prop BEN MAY talks to Nick Tolerton

# They also serve who only stand and wait, Ben. But do you get frustrated with being on the bench?

Obviously I'm young in prop years, 24, and it's good experience. Best place to learn is around here. They've got a good culture here ? it's like a good family feeling, and obviously teaches you how to be a professional. Really good for the future.

# What do you remember of your two Super 14 appearances?

Not a lot ? I wasn't on there for long! My first game against the Lions at Ellis Park, I was pretty amped up. You don't take it in, cos you're training with the team and all of a sudden you're playing, and it's not till after you sort of realise 'I've just had my debut for the Crusaders' which was a lifelong goal. Awesome. My second game was against the Cheetahs ? we had a win there at Bloemfontein.

# Best moment before joined Crusaders?

First game for Tasman in the Air New Zealand Cup was a pretty big moment. Being from Nelson, finally getting to play first div for the province. My parents are farmers up there and I boarded at Nelson College. I came down here when I was about 17 to further the rugby.

# Which is your club here?

Brighton. They seem to be going pretty well at the moment. They're probably doing now better without me than when I was there.

# Who'll win the Metro competition?

Brighton could be in with a shot ? they're going really well. But we sort of always used to go well in the first round and blow out with a few injuries in the second round. Hopefully the boys can come through.

# Weeks like this, you must miss Nelson?

Definitely, you can't beat the weather there. It's awesome even in the winter. Probably warmer than it is down here in the summer!

# What are your interests away from footie?

I'm into my water sports ? I've just bought a ski boat. My mate's got a bach at Kaiteriteri. I'm into my fishing, and do a bit of surfing in summer. Good surf here at Brighton beach and Taylors!

# Favourite place for a meal out?

I'm a Thai takeaway man. The Bangkok at Carlton Corner. And the Boatshed Caf? in Nelson is a great place to go!

# Favourite meal?

I'm a seafood boy. I love my crayfish and scallops and blue cod. You don't get a lot of it down here. It's best when you catch it yourself!

# Favourite movie?

Last I went to was 300, which was a good movie.

# Television?

I'm a Home And Away boy ? I try and rush home for that at 5.30. And I'm right into my Prison Break, loving it, a great programme. I switch off stuff like Seinfeld and that. Not really into it.

# Single?

I've got a partner, Linda.

# Shouldn't ask a bloke who's attached, but who would be your National Bank Cup pin-up?

I used to have a crush on Lesley Nichol when I was a young fella! Met her once up in Nelson.

# There's some dodgy barnets among the Crusaders. Who's is worst?

Flynnie's probably up there with the worst whiskers. CJ's (Chris Jack's) beard. He's having a blinder with that ? I think he should keep it. Rosco's (Ross Filipo) got a pretty sick hairdo. I don't know what you'd call that ? sort of a Hare Krishna-half Mohican.

# Biggest stirrer at the Crusaders?

Ellis.

# Funny how Mr Ellis's name always seems to pop up.

Oh mate, he's an EVERY day man for stirring. Anything. As soon as he picks up on a rumour he chases it up.

# Do you guys ever get your own back?

Few and far between, because he's quite switched on. But he'll get his dues.

# Funniest thing you've seen on the field?

Just occurred at the weekend ? Bubble's (Scott Hamilton) falcon. He tried to take a high kick and ended up trying to head butt it. Pity Re-Union only showed it once. They thought he should play for Chelsea.

# Have you been tempted to join the overseas footie brain drain?

They always approach you ? I think when they can't get the top tier players they always look for the younger ones. But I'm pretty keen to stick around for a few more years ? get a few Super 14 caps before I think of heading anywhere else.