MELBOURNE - Byron Kelleher is the only All Black squad member yet to take the field at the cup, so his attitude about possibly playing tonight comes as no surprise.
"You could say I'm like a coke can that's been dropped several times and then been opened. Plenty of fizz," the
reserve halfback said.
Not just plugging one of the tournament's sponsors, Kelleher gave the genuine impression he wanted to prove himself, particularly against his renowned rival, Australian captain George Gregan.
Kelleher, 26, has replaced Steve Devine on the bench in the only change from the team who beat South Africa 29-9 in last Saturday's quarter-final.
His surprise promotion sparked memories of his dramatic call-up to start the ill-fated 1999 semifinal against France at Twickenham.
He said he had never seen a replay of that match and, while it was still locked in his memory banks as motivation, he was concentrating purely on the challenge at Sydney's Telstra Stadium and the prospect of locking horns again with Gregan.
The two have fought out several memorable battles at international and Super 12 level and Kelleher agreed the veteran Wallaby brought out the best in him.
"He's a competitive character, I love playing against guys who are competitive," he said.
"Hopefully I'll get an opportunity to get out on the field so I can compete against him.
"I've got a physical approach to the game ... I like harassing the opposition and getting in their faces. Hopefully I can bring that on to the field if it's needed."
Kelleher has had to endure weeks of ribbing from his team-mates about an embarrassing injury that spoiled his chance of game time during the tournament.
He was the reserve for their second match against Canada but over-extended himself during halftime exercises and strained his hamstring.
"I think they've strapped me into my seat and buckled me up. They're going to closely monitor my warm-ups," he laughed.
"It's all about energy, I'll just show it on the field this time."
- NZPA
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