With 81 Test Match appearances for New Zealand, countless Bledisloe Cup wins, a handful of Super Rugby championships and a plethora of individual records and accolades, it’s fair to say former All Blacks skipper Justin Marshall doesn’t really need an introduction.
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Outside a World Cup win, the 44-year-old did basically everything on a rugby field.
But this week isn’t about that.
For New Zealand’s most-capped halfback, this week gives him the chance to continue watching on as his eldest son Lachlan carves his own path as part of Wakatipu High School’s Western NSW Under-15 Carnival side, in his first international tour.
“It’s a pretty proud moment for me,” Justin said.
“You never know what sport your kids are going to play or get involved with and you support them whatever that may be, but it’s nice that it’s a sport I’m very passionate about as well.
“Cricket was a big part of my life until rugby took over and I kind of lost touch with it so it’s nice that Lachlan and my other boy Fletcher have both got into it.
“To see Lachlan enjoying it and doing well, it’s great.”
Lachlan is doing well too.
In Monday’s carnival opener he finished 46 not out and went within inches of leading Wakatipu to an upset win over Mitchell, the Kiwis ultimately lost by just nine runs.
He made sure his side got the job done on Tuesday though, producing a match-winning, unbeaten 40 as Wakatipu reeled in Orange’s 107 with three wickets in hand.
“I’m finally getting to use the new stick,” Lachlan laughed.
“We didn’t want to go through this carnival without a win so it’s great and to be able to get the boys home is awesome.”
Despite his love of the game and clear aptitude with willow in hand, the 15-year-old said it’s tough to deny the call of the black jersey and the chance to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Of course it is, he’s a Kiwi.
“It’s every Kiwi’s dream to be an All Black, but I’d be happy with a black cap,” Lachlan, a five-eighth, said.
“In the winter you love rugby and in the summer you love cricket, it’s tough to pick between the two.”
Both Marshalls lauded the Western NSW Junior Carnival concept too, which for Wakatipu and Orange is certainly a nod to the old Mitchell-Otago reciprocal tours.
“We have a carnival like this back home now, but to be able to go overseas on one is just awesome,” Lachlan said.
“I played a bit of rep cricket when I was younger … but this kind of carnival wasn’t around, it’s a pretty unique opportunity that not a lot of people get,” Justin added.
“They’re very lucky. They’ll always remember this trip, regardless of what they all go on to do … it’s just great.
It’s every Kiwi’s dream to be an All Black, but I’d be happy with a black cap.
- Wakatipu gun Lachlan Marshall
“Lachlan’s brother Fletcher is doing pretty well in under 13s too, so hopefully we might get to come back in two years.”
Wakatipu’s campaign continues on Wednesday against Dubbo, at Jack Brabham Park.
Matt Findlay
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
