New cap Nicki Crawford learnt her rugby the hard way by playing the sport with her family in the backyard.
Crawford (18), a physical education student at the University of Otago, has made a big impression in the two games she has played for the Otago Spirit this season.
Her education in the rough and tumble of the sport was similar to that faced by boys who play "friendly" games with their mates.
Crawford has a physical presence on the paddock and is not afraid to mix it with her opponents in the tight exchanges.
Otago lost to Hawkes Bay in the national championship match last Saturday. But that was not the fault of Crawford and the tight five.
Her aggressive driving play helped the Otago tight five to get on top of their opponents.
Crawford has a record of success. Her Gore High School team won the School Cup last year and she was a member of the winning Alhambra-Union team in the Dunedin women's club championship this year.
"It was pretty exciting winning the banner," Crawford said. "We were unbeaten all season and I enjoyed the experience."
She played flanker or No 8 for Alhambra-Union but has been used as a lock with Otago.
"I play more like a No 8 who is filling the locking role," Crawford said.
Crawford grew up in Gore and started playing competitive rugby in her first year at Gore High School. She was a member of the Southland secondary schools team before coming to Dunedin.
She comes from a rugby family with her father, Rob Crawford, playing for Canterbury B as a flanker. Her younger brother Ben (16) is in the Gore High School first fifteen.
"Dad's been the biggest influence on my rugby,"Crawford said. "He was my coach at Gore and still gives me heaps of advice."
Crawford admitted being nervous before her first two national championship games.
"I was really nervous before my first game for Otago," Crawford said. "But when I run on to the field I get over it," she said.
Crawford, a resident of Salmond Hall, is keeping her feet on the ground and is not looking too far ahead in her rugby career.
"My immediate goal is just to play well for Otago," she said.
The Otago Spirit needs players with the dedication and physical presence of Crawford if it is to pull itself up by the boot strings after last week's loss to Hawkes Bay.
Otago plays Canterbury in Christchurch on Saturday. It has become a "must win" game for Otago if it is to get a favourable semifinals draw.
