Buckman hangs out with the big boys

Wind  the clock forward a decade or two to a reunion of the 2007-10 Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby players.
Utility back Richard Buckman and a couple of others are reminiscing about their career highlights. Buckman reminds his mates about the week he got called into the 2011 Hurricanes when they upset the then leaders Reds with a 28-26 week 11 victory at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
He opts out of telling them he was the "23rd man." Such small but crucial details get forgotten with time and, yes, it would take a lot of gloss off the conversation.
Should 21-year-old Buckman's career continue to progress like it has during his 23-game, 47 points first-class career for the Magpies since 2008 he will no doubt have better feats to reminisce over. But for the time being Buckman is buzzing about the past seven days and rightfully so.
"It's all going good. It's a new experience and good fun," explained Buckman after the Hurricanes training session on Tuesday.
"You're right ... I couldn't have picked a better week to get the call."
Not only was he there when the then 13th-placed Canes caused the upset of the round. It was also All Black hooker and Canes captain Andrew Hore's 100th Super Rugby game and Buckman has been living with Hore for the past week.
"Horey is a top bloke. It was a good party following the win against the Reds," recalled Buckman.
The Napier Technical club player who took the field in all but one of the unbeaten Hurricanes Development team's games this season joined the Hurricanes for training last Thursday and Friday. With All Blacks Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith both sidelined with injuries it was a midfield cover role.
When Charlie Ngatai was injured against the Reds Buckman was asked to continue the role in the buildup to tomorrow night's game against the Blues in the capital.
"If the chance comes for me to be named in the 22 I will take it with both hands," said Buckman.
The Napier Boys' High School product has enjoyed getting tips from Nonu and Smith as well as Hurricanes assistant coach and former All Blacks midfield back Alama Ieremia."Alama runs around with the team. He still has the fitness and all the skills so its really hands on with him."
With former Magpies captain Jason Shoemark playing in the United Kingdom Buckman hopes to make the Magpies No 13 jersey his this season.
"But if I have to play wing or fullback it won't worry me."
He is equally relaxed about tomorrow night and "If I make the 22 it will be great. But if I don't I will still have the chance to watch the game before travelling back to play for Tech in our club day match against Taradale on Saturday."
While he pointed out  his stint with the Canes has been "a big learning curve" it has made him more determined to have an ITM Cup campaign which will warrant a Super Rugby contract at the end of the year.
"Hopefully it will be with the Hurricanes but if not with another Super 15 side," he added.
Yes there's every chance Buckman will have a book of stories to reminisce about when he reaches the reunion stage in his life.