Blues winger Caleb Clarke celebrates a Rieko Ioane try. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
After a tough Super Rugby season, Caleb Clarke is more motivated than ever to prove he can still have an impact at test level.
"That Super Rugby season, it wasn't my personal best. I know that and I own that," Clarke said.
The 26-year-old wing was last month discharged without conviction for fleeing police on a motorbike in Auckland.
Clarke was deeply embarrassed by the incident and concedes it likely affected his performances for the Blues.
He said he was blessed to be supported by good people who helped him keep his mental health in a good space during the ups and downs.
"It's definitely the boys that you surround yourself with. I'm pretty lucky to be surrounded by the likes of Patty (Tuipulotu), Dalton (Papali'i), Ardie (Savea), Christian Lio-Willie now in the environment as well. He's someone that keeps you where your feet are.
"Coming from a faith background, it's not all about rugby. It's not who we are. I'm lucky and really grateful to be in this (All Blacks) environment. If I can keep that front of mind, then whether I'm playing or not, I'll be putting my best foot forward."
Caleb Clarke in action for the Blues. Photo: Photosport
With that now behind him, Clarke's motivation levels are high as he seeks to earn selection for this weekend's second test against France in Wellington.
"Definitely. Now that off field stuff has finally gone out the way. It was a hindrance that kept growing in the back of my mind throughout the Super Rugby season. It feels good to be free and finally be able to move forward," Clarke said.
"Definitely that motivational piece is there. If the opportunity comes (to play), then I'll take it with two hands and you'll probably see a few tears out there."
With Sevu Reece out of the second test with concussion, Clarke and Will Jordan appear the frontrunners to take his spot on the wing.
Clarke said it's always bittersweet when a chance presents itself due to another player's misfortune.
"It's always an exciting opportunity to try and put your hand up, but it's at a cost of one of our brothers going down, so that's the downside.
"It's good to see Sevu around the place still smiling, still laughing. That's uplifting to see.
"The best I can do is put my hand up and and see the way the coaches want to go. If it happens, I'll take it with two hands. If it doesn't, then my role is to prepare the team as best as I can."
Sevu Reece. Photo: Masanori Udagawa
Reece is often give a licence to roam and get involved closer to the ruck and Clarke said that's still a big part of his own role.
"Yeah, definitely. With the French being so wide on defence and and bringing that line speed, it's quite nice to try and get in between them, especially near the ruck," Clarke said.
"It's still part of my game, having that work rate and trying to work around the ball. If I get the opportunity, it would be something I'd to look to do."
Clarke makes no secret of his desire to become a consistent starter for the All Blacks and he said that begins with doing everything he can to help the team.
"Just taking every opportunity I can, especially if I'm not picked. You don't want to drop your lip and go out to training and not prepare the boys well," Clarke said.
"You want to have the right attitude mentality to go out there and compete. That's what I want to try and do week in, week out and if I get the chance to wear the black jersey, I want to try and hold it."
Clarke has been in the All Blacks for five years now, but it doesn't necessarily feel like it for the Blues star.
"Not really. It's gone really quickly. I still feel so excited and grateful whenever I get named as an All Black. These last five years have gone really quickly because time flies when you're having fun."
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