James Stannard
Scrumhalf James Stannard has joined the CA Brumbies as one of six new recruits for 2009. Stannard made his Investec Super 14 debut for the Western Force this year and went on to play 10 matches for the West Australians. Stannard has joined his CA Brumbies team mates (minus Wallabies) as they launch themselves into a grueling pre-season ahead of the 2009 Investec Super 14. Brumby Jack caught up with Stannard during the first week of pre-season training.
Brumby Jack: You had a taste of Investec Super 14 rugby last year, what was that experience like?
James Stannard: It was amazing. It was a dream of mine to play Super 14 and it was a great opportunity for me. I loved it.
BJ: There’s some excellent competition in the halves this year between yourself, Patrick Phibbs and Josh Holmes. What do you see as your strengths?
JS: My speed around the ruck and a good pass. There are still a few things I need to work on and I want to keep developing my fitness but I’ll give it a good crack if given the opportunity.
BJ: How have your first three days of the CA Brumbies’ pre-season training gone?
JS: So far, so good but I think they’re just working us into it at this stage. I think they’re going to give us a flogging next week.
BJ: What goals have you set yourself ahead of the 2009 Investec Super 14 season?
JS: I’d like to be more consistent this year and build a combination with the No.8 and ‘10’. I’d also like to play out the full 80 minutes if given the chance to get out there.
BJ: Finally, you have the nickname ‘Chucky’. What’s the background behind it?
JS: When I was a young fella we travelled around a bit and there was a team in Wagga Wagga – a sub-district team – called the Bushpig Bandits, or something like that. Anyway, they called half a game a ‘chucker’, and as my sister and I made up half of our family they called me and my sister that. I think it’s a waterpolo term.
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