Karl Lowe's fiancee, Celeste Cardie, reckons the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby flanker is a more-than-handy cook.
Roasts are his speciality and, according to Cardie, Lowe does a "pretty good gravy".
Lowe was completing a chicken roast when SportToday caught up with him after the Magpies final training before tonight's top-of-the-table Air New
Zealand Cup clash against defending champions Canterbury at Napier's McLean Park.
"Celeste has some busy days with our two young boys at home so we have turn about with the cooking although I'm usually stuffed after trainings," said Lowe, referring to sons Kyan and Kalani.
SportToday had to ask Lowe the question ... Can he roast the Cantabs tonight like he did with his two tries in last year's semifinal at Christchurch?
"Something similar would be good. We've had five wins in a row ... we're peaking," replied Lowe.
The Junior All Black and Hurricanes openside was marking All Black captain Richie McCaw in last year's semi which Canterbury won 31-21. Although McCaw will be playing No 8 tonight, Lowe expects the pair to clash regularly at breakdown time.
"McCaw will be everywhere ... I just have to try and keep up with him," said Lowe.
SportToday has no doubt Lowe will rise to the occasion, as he does in big games, and more than compete with McCaw. In fact Lowe's chances, like those of several of his teammates of being named in the All Blacks touring party on Sunday, can't be discounted.
Lowe admitted making the tour was a goal he set at the start of the Cup season.
"But after our shaky start to the season my focus turned to helping the Magpies pick things up. Obviously if All Black selection comes it will be a bonus."
Magpies' coach Peter Russell agreed several of his players had to be contenders for the All Blacks and this game was the ideal one for them to put their hands up. It's equally important for those chasing Super 14 contracts.
"Our players have to perform as a team. It's not about playing as individuals ... it's about playing together as a team for a home semifinal," said Russell.
Like Lowe he was more than happy with the Magpies trainings this week.
"We had an early finish ... that's always a good sign."
If the signs are as good when the final whistle is blown, SportToday won't be surprised if Hawke's Bay has another All Black or two.
