LEAD STORY - RUGBY: Kirkpatrick plays catch-up

Check out the photo with three of Hawke's Bay's then most promising rugby players taken in 2006 and spot the odd one out.
Yes the bloke in the middle - Daniel Kirkpatrick. The other two Zac Guildford, left, and Israel Dagg are both All Blacks.
"I've got some catching up to do," said Kirkpatrick who has returned home to the Bay this week after spending the 2007, '08, '09 seasons based in Wellington and this year's Super 14 with the Blues in Auckland.
The 2008 Under-20 World Cup player-of-the-year agreed Hawke's Bay is the right place to start his catch-up quest.
"Making the All Blacks is the long-term goal. But cementing a place in the Magpies side is the immediate priority.
"Hopefully I get the opportunity to put my best foot forward and make the most of it," Kirkpatrick told SportToday prior to a goalkicking training session yesterday as he prepares for his Hawke's Bay premier club rugby debut for Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports against Tremains Napier Old Boys Marist tomorrow.
"It's exciting to be home and exciting to be involved with a new team. The Magpies will have a new mix of players and I'm keen to help them push on from their semifinal finishes in the ITM Cup," said Kirkpatrick.
"Things didn't go to plan down in Wellington ... injuries didn't help," said the Napier Boys' High School product who often had to compete with All Black halfback Piri Weepu for the Lions and Hurricanes No 10 jerseys.
Kirkpatrick, 21, also had to cope with becoming a father when son Cortez was born 20 months ago.
"It will be good to be back in the Bay where I will have more support from Mum and Dad," said Kirkpatrick.
The two-time world champion (one with the New Zealand under-19s in 2007 and one with the New Zealand under-20s in 2008) is the son of world champion shearer Johnny Kirkpatrick - his toughest critic and No 1 training partner.
"We go on lots of runs together and do kickboxing. There's lots of competitiveness between us and that brings the best out in both of us," said Kirkpatrick.
While Wellington wasn't the best of stays for Kirkpatrick there were still plenty of highlights including his two world titles, a memorable debut as an 18-year-old for the Lions in 2007, his Hurricanes debut last year and starting for the Lions when they won the Ranfurly Shield off Auckland in 2008.
In 25 first class outings for the Lions, Kirkpatrick scored 125 points from a try, 21 conversions and 26 penalties.
His appearances for the Blues this year were limited to six off the bench as former Crusader Stephen Brett had the monopoly on the pivot role.
"I really enjoyed the environment at the Blues but it was frustrating being on the bench all the time," said Kirkpatrick who has the Blues and Hurricanes as options for next year's Super 15. "The decision will be made towards the end of the ITM Cup and hopefully I'll have a good one."
Kirkpatrick knows he has a hard act to follow in Highlanders pivot Matt Berquist who scored 407 points in 41 first class outings for the Magpies. While he rates Dan Carter as the toughest first five-eighth he has marked he pointed out the likes of Berquist and Brett weren't far behind.
Kirkpatrick was unsure whether he would start or come off the bench for the Pirate side in tomorrow's third round Tui Maddison Trophy encounter at Park Island.
He was looking forward to playing alongside old NBHS teammates Dane McCarthy, Ted Symes, Marcus Donovan and Matt Martin.
When he's not playing rugby or training Kirkpatrick enjoys spending time with Cortez and teaching him how to kick ... yes with both feet.
Other premier encounters tomorrow will see leaders Havelock North host Russell Roads Hastings Rugby and Sports at Anderson Park, Tamatea host Napier Technical at Bill Mathewson Park, unbeaten Clive host defending champions Carters Frame and Truss Taradale at Farndon Park and Central host MAC at Waipukurau.