During the 1987 Rugby World Cup, All Black coach Brian Lochore delivered a mid-tournament master stroke.
And for one of the superstars of his team, AJ Whetton, being billeted on a farm in the Wairarapa led to an enduring relationship with the people and the land that is Rural New Zealand.
If ever NZ farmers were looking for an urban-based advocate, they need not look any further than the great Auckland blindside flanker.
Alan (AJ) Whetton was born and raised in Auckland, representing his home city 150 times, as well as going on to make 65 appearances in the coveted black jersey.
Post rugby, Whetton headed to Japan where he was a player-coach for the Kobe Steel (now known as the Kobelco Kobe Steelers) between 1996 and 1999.
He also tried his hand as a commentator for the TV3 network during the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Watch the full chat between Hamish McKay and AJ Whetton above as they discuss rugby, urban versus rural living and everything in between.
Catch a new episode of Hamish's Hero's every Monday at rexonline.co.nz.
