Jimmy Cowan hates to lose. Photo / Getty Images
Jimmy Cowan's career is entering its twilight years and, for that reason, he's playing for enjoyment now rather than honours. But there's still no escaping that famous competitiveness he is promising to bring to the Blues.
"One thing that hasn't gone is my competitive streak and I'm still out to win at all costs," he said. "As long as I've still got that, I'm willing to play. I've probably got two or three years left in my rugby career. It's about going out and having some fun and playing some good, hard rugby at the same time."
Cowan played the first 30 minutes of Friday's 32-29 pre-season victory over the Hurricanes at North Harbour Stadium and the former All Blacks halfback appears to have lost little of the physical presence he had during his 51 tests before his two seasons in England with Gloucester.
Returning to New Zealand last year, he was snapped up by eventual ITM Cup finalists Tasman and his form and leadership were spotted by Blues coach John Kirwan.
A fixture in Southland and Highlanders teams over the years, Cowan, who will become a father for the second time in April, has had his horizons broadened.
"I came back from Gloucester after a two-year stint and I didn't have a real focus about what I was going to do," he said.
"I came back for a holiday but, as soon as I came into the country, I had a phone call from Kieran Keane, who coached me at the Highlanders, to come to Tasman.
"It worked out really well. I hadn't been to Nelson prior to that. It's a lovely, wee place and the brand of rugby Tasman play is very open and held me in good stead coming up to this competition.
"I'm getting used to the speed of the game again. In the Northern Hemisphere, it's very robotic and structured, whereas here, you get taught to find the space. It took me a bit to get used to - two or three weeks of ITM Cup to play the way I knew I was capable of - but once I got the hang of it, I was fine.
"If you said to me two years ago I would be back for Tasman and playing for the Blues, I probably would have laughed at you.
"That's the way rugby is going. I'm delighted to be invited to play for the Blues. It's a special franchise and I'm looking forward to doing my bit now."
Cowan has already been recognised as a key component in what will be a young backline. He has been added to the Blues' leadership group by new skipper Jerome Kaino and will be keeping the pressure on the other halfbacks Bryn Hall, the incumbent, and Jamison Gibson-Park. All three are in the frame to start against the Chiefs on Saturday at North Harbour Stadium.
The Blues grew in confidence during their match against the Hurricanes, as their early defensive mistakes were ironed out. The victory will be a boost after their thrashing against the Chiefs in Whangarei a week earlier.
Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu, who won't take the field for the Blues until round four, was said to have told a few home truths following that match, and in Cowan, he has an able assistant.
"I'm not really much of a talker but, if a point needs to be made, I will make it," Cowan said.