Different paths for AB newcomers

 

Broadhurst, 27, was part of the New Zealand rugby scene for almost a decade and played for teams like Canterbury and Taranaki before being part of the Hurricanes. 

 

"It's a lot of blood, sweat and tears in the gym and on the training pitch. It's a surreal feeling. I can't stop smiling," Broadhurst told stuff.co.nz.

 

"Its 10 years of hard work finally paying off."

 

Broadhurst won the National Provincial Championship title with Canterbury in 2009. He then shifted to Taranaki in 2010 and  took about five years of Super Rugby to refine his raw talent.

 

During those years Broadhurst wondered if he will ever pull on the All Black jersey, which was his ultimate goal.

 

"There's always doubt when you are toiling and in and out of the 23. I was off the bench for a lot of years. A lot of thoughts go through your head, 'am I good enough?' To be here today standing in front of you blokes is awesome," he said.

 

Milner-Skudder, 24, on the other hand, forged his skills in rugby league and touch rugby before giving rugby union a go in 2011 with the Manawatu Turbos. He was called into the Hurricanes wider training group last year. 

 

The fullback was almost lost for words in trying to explain his emotions when he heard his name read out.

 

"I don't know how to explain it, it hasn't quite sunk in, but I'm buzzing at the moment," Milner-Skudder said. 

 

"I was coming back from Palmy and with a bit of flooding going on we sort of took our time. I just walked in the door, turned the telly and heard my name. I was taken aback, it's a bit of a shock.

 

Milner-Skudder said his first year with the Hurricanes in 2014 gave him some insight on what the next level was like. 

 

"My time in this environment last year, the step up in things around recovery and nutrition opened my eyes to the next level and I guess what it takes," he said. 

 

"I can't really believe it at this stage. Just going back to last year and the progress that's happened to now. I'm blown away."

 

Milner-Skudder does have a strong rugby background with his cousin Buff Milner and Uncle George Skudder each playing a test for the All Blacks, in 1969 and 1970 respectively.

 

"I've been to spoken about it in the past and I know there's a bit of pedigree there to live up to and a few relatives who have also been in the black jumper," he said.

 

Broadhurst and Milner-Skudder are two of 12 Hurricanes to make the All Blacks' squad. The ten others are Beauden Barrett, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ben Franks, Victor Vito, Julian Savea, TJ Perenara, Dane Coles, Ma’a Nonu and Jeremy Thrush.