Captain Chris Johnston spent 26 hours of flying and six hours of bus travel during the two days leading up to his Napier Old Boys Marist rugby team's opening game at the Spillane Cup tournament in Auckland last night.
But this didn't stop the openside flanker from producing an inspirational display as the defending champions beat hosts Auckland Marist 24-14 to book a berth in tomorrow's final of the 87th edition of the tournament against Hutt Old Boys Marist. Johnston spent three-and-a-half weeks in Europe and said he was inspired by the form of former NOBM teammate Joseph Penitito in a club game in France.
"We went along to watch Joe who came off the bench and scored two tries in five minutes as he returned from injury," Johnston recalled.
"Considering I had limited training during the last four weeks I was happy with how I went. I'm in the Magpies wider training squad and I'm hoping to crack the Mitre 10 Cup squad this season. Most of the fitness from the Hawke's Bay Sevens campaign was still there too," Johnston said.
With 11 NOBM players unavailable for the Auckland trip with injuries Johnston also impressed with his recruiting ability during the trip north. He secured the services of brothers, prop Hef from Hamilton and flanker Andrew from Auckland. Neither had played for three seasons, although Andrew has played AFL in Auckland in recent years.