CARL Manu jokes that Waratahs player-coach Hayden Pedersen would ring him in Italy crying and saying how much he missed his home-town mate.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After a two-year separation, Pedersen and Manu have been reunited, just in time for the Tahs' Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union finals quest.
Manu returned 10 days ago from Italy, where he spent seven years playing professionally.
He started at fly-half in the Tahs' 38-12 win over University and hopes to step up a gear in the top-two showdown with Wanderers at Waratah Oval today.
It is the 30-year-old former Samoan international's second stint at Waratah Oval, after a half-dozen games in between Italian seasons in 2011.
A lot has changed since then.
Pedersen is coach, for starters. The Tahs, who will wear a specially designed jumper today as part of a promotion to raise awareness of prostate cancer, are also in much better shape. They finished seventh in 2011.
"I'm finished up overseas now," Manu said.
"Hayden was on the phone all the time crying and telling me how much he misses me.
"It's good to be back. The club has recruited well and are really keen for a premiership."
Pedersen and Manu, who grew up together in Christchurch and came through the Canterbury development system, struck up a lethal partnership in the latter's last visit.
Pedersen, who has scored 23 tries in 11 games, said Manu's experience and cool head under pressure was the biggest asset he brought to the side.
"He has played professional rugby, whereas other guys tend to lose their cool a bit when the game gets tight.
"He brings an X-factor, but it is more his experience I'm looking for at 10."
Wanderers ended the Tahs' unbeaten start to the season in round eight with a 51-0 shut-out at No.2 Sportsground.
The Tahs lost halfback Auvasa Faleali'i, who is on the bench for the NSW Barbarians against Argentina today, midway through the first half for a spear tackle on Luke Menchen.
The Two Blues were leading 14-0 at the time, and Pedersen said the home side's intensity at the breakdown and speed off the line caused them the most problems.
"We are better equipped this time," Pedersen said.
"They ambushed us and we weren't ready for it.
"Their forwards dominated around the ruck and at the set piece, and once they got 10 points ahead the boys dropped their heads and thought it was over.
"We have spoken about having a better attitude and being ready to get into it. We are confident it won't be the same scoreline as last time, anyway."
Wanderers have added more experience to the side that disposed of the Blacks last weekend.
Josh Trotman comes in at blindside breakaway, Mark Sherwood returns at fullback and Andrew Katoa starts on the left wing.
The Tahs-Two Blues contest is one of two games crucial to the table.
Maitland need to bounce back against Lake Macquarie at home to remain in the box seat for fifth.
Blacks coach Matt Thomas was at the centre of a citing controversy after the loss to the Two Blues.
He accused Wanderers prop Dylan Evans of a dangerous tackle and No.8 James Wivell of rucking then voiced his disapproval when neither was referred to the judiciary, declaring it "absolute bulls---" and "disgusting".
"In hindsight I should have chosen my words better," Thomas said.
"The citing commissioner's decision is final, and I certainly didn't mean to say anything detrimental to the players. I have coached Dylan and he is not a dirty player.
"It is more the process."
