Highlanders openside flanker Dillon Hunt made the most of his week off when the side had a bye.PlayStation or coffee at St Clair is not for him — exploring the wide open paddocks is what drives this 23-year-old.
"I actually bought a new van and headed away for a bit. Going up to Christchurch, Akaroa, Hanmer Springs. Doing a few walks. I enjoy getting away, getting into nature, getting away from the city," he said.
"Yeah I slept in it [van] every day — it was actually quite comfortable. In the camping grounds and the odd bit of freedom camping, where applicable, of course.
"I always love being in here [at the Highlanders] but it is always good to get away, refresh the mind, refresh the body. You come back with a bit of vigour."
Hunt has had a bit of a Boy’s Own path to professional rugby.
He impressed for playing for University while studying surveying and got called in to cover for a couple of injured players in the pre-season last year.
The injured players kept coming and he kept staying. Pretty soon he was starting games and looked right at home.He then backed that up with a good effort in the Mitre 10 Cup season for Otago. That was followed with selection for the Barbarians against the All Blacks and then making his All Black debut against a French XV in November.
"There are plenty of memories. It was all a bit of a whirlwind, really. I was just expecting to be in for a couple of weeks here and there.
"Great memories like beating the Lions and then the end of the year with the Baabaas and then the All Blacks. That few weeks was a blur, really. But I loved it. The important thing for me was not to worry too much about the hype. At that level there is a lot of it. But I was just trying to play my game, do everything that had got me there in the first place.
"It was just more trying to learn from people around me, grow my game, each week playing as a seven."
He had one paper left to complete his degree, which he had to finish this year. So he was still a university student, but the Hyde St party would not be on the agenda next Saturday.
"You have got to watch you don’t live too much of the student life, as it can get away on you. But I had to enjoy it. Being down there you have to get amongst it.
"I’m more relaxed now. Up on the hill, first time out of North Dunedin — quiet place to go home to."
Hunt will face off against one of the world’s best openside flankers in David Pocock tonight.
He is happy with his own game but admits getting turnovers is not easy to do under the new rules.
"I don’t know if it is the level or the rule. It is hard to tell. But definitely, the rule change has made it a lot harder. You have to be quicker and anticipate the game a lot better now. So that has made it harder."
Hunt will head back to North Harbour for the Mitre 10 Cup, wanting to link back with family and friends.
Before that, though, he has to finish the Highlanders’ season, with the Brumbies coming into view tonight.
This is shaping as a key game for the home side. It is one of those where a loss will be way worse than a win. Every game is a must-win these days, but this one feels a bit more of a must than a need.
Highlanders v Brumbies
Forsyth Barr Stadium, today, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Shannon Frizell, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Aki Seiuli, Kalolo Tuiloma, Alex Ainley, Elliot Dixon, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Matt Faddes.
Brumbies: Tom Banks, James Dargaville, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealifano, Chance Peni, Wharenui Hawera, Matt Lucas, Isi Naisarani, David Pocock, Tom Cusack, Blake Evener, Rory Arnold, Allan Alaalatoa, Folou Aainga’a, Scott Sio. Reserves: Robbie Abel, Nic Mayhew, Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, Sam Carter, Michael Oakman-Hunt, Joe Powell, Kyle Godwin, Andrew Smith.
Referee: Mike Fraser (Wellington)