All Blacks: Angus Ta'avao plucked from wilderness for national side

At 28, Taranaki captain Angus Ta'avao risked becoming a rugby journeyman.

That changed with a phone call from All Blacks manager Darren Shand.

"I was at home by myself, and I looked around and I wanted someone to try to hug," admits Ta'avao, about his call-up to the national side for the first time.

"I called my family straight after and there were a few tears."

Ta'avao has his chance, after 36-test prop Joe Moody was ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby Championship with a broken thumb suffered against Australia at Eden Park last week.

It's very different from the start of the year, when Ta'avao visited a career guidance counsellor.

He had no Super Rugby contract, after stints at the Blues and Waratahs hadn't worked out.

Luckily, his former Taranaki coach, Colin Cooper, needed him at the Chiefs as injury cover and just like teammate Karl Tuinukuafe, he's turned that into All Blacks selection.

"We were signing week-by-week contracts," says Ta'avao. "Me and him ended up being the starting tighthead and loosehead, and formed a pretty good bond.

"He gave me a message just before, saying, 'When am I coming in?'"

But how do these potential All Blacks slip through the system?

Some players take time to reach their potential, but selectors at all levels often have different ideas on talent and knowing the right people can make all the difference.

"I think that can be the case in some places," he says. "You see a lot of talented players growing up that you played with and you think, far out, I wonder what he could have done in a full-time environment."

Teammate Damian McKenzie says Ta'avao did plenty when he joined the Chiefs full-time.

"It's an awesome story and a credit to how well he's played this season," said the Chiefs and All Blacks utility. "He's a great team man and he's been great for the Chiefs this year, on and off the field."

Ta'avao feels much of that success comes from lessons learnt during his ups and downs.

"Those little experiences, and plus having my young son, which has given me another reason to play this game. It's something to play for, and it's helped me along the way and kept me grounded."

He might be grounded, but Angus Ta'avao is now playing with the stars.

Newshub.