Author(s): John Matheson

Rugby

New Zealand rugby has had few players who have won such wide popularity and affection as Andrew Mehrtens who in a 12-year career at first class level became a national figure rather than simply an icon of his beloved Canterbury province. However, there was never total agreement on his ranking in the pecking order of All Blacks' first five eighths. Some headed by Colin Meads believed that Mehrtens was the best in his position ever produced by New Zealand. Others believed that despite his immense skills, vision, kicking and ability to throw long cut out passes to his outsides he had limitations. But what is undisputed is his hold on the New Zealand public as one of the game's great characters. Andrew Mehrtens - A Tribute to a Rugby Genius celebrates his time in the All Blacks jersey which spanned 70 tests between 1995 and 2004 and through his words and dozens of interviews with fellow players, coaches and administrators tells, for the first time, the inspiring story of the manchild as he made his way through the ranks surrounded by the giants of rugby. The trademark sense of humor, his bizarre relationship with Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, his year-in-year-out battles with Carlos Spencer, his ability to literally punch above his weight and the incredible highs of his stellar career are all celebrated with the help of rugby icons like Laurie Mains, John Hart, Wayne Smith, Graham Henry, Tana Umaga, Christian Cullen, Sean Fitzpatrick and Player of the Century - and Mehrtens' former All Blacks manager Colin Meads. Andrew Mehrtens - A Tribute to a Rugby Genius also explores the heartbreak of World Cup final defeat in 1995 and his extraordinary success for Canterbury and the Crusaders. As the All Blacks' record points scorer his place in rugby's rich history is ensured. But there is so much more the to the man than his famous right boot who the rugby nation watched grow up in front of them. Award winning author John Matheson tells the story with the style and insight that has delivered him four No 1 bestselling New Zealand books.