By Chris Barclay
The last time Piri Weepu was in Sydney, the light appeared dim at the end of Sydney Football Stadium players' tunnel.
Exhausted and indecisive after the Hurricanes season was ended by the New South Wales Waratahs in the final round, Weepu slouched against the wall and shrugged when asked if he was willing to have another crack at an elusive Super rugby title in 2011.
He was mulling over a move to France, he still loved his league and after a frustrating Super 14 campaign - where he was frequently benched for back-up halfback Tyson Keats - a change of scene looked enticing.
Weepu's fluctuating form - and weight - hardly seemed to enhance his prospects of inclusion in the All Black squad for the June internationals.
But in a surprise to some armchair critics, Weepu was named alongside Jimmy Cowan for the tests against Ireland and Wales.
His naming, aided by the selection of uncapped Hurricanes first five-eighth Aaron Cruden, was yet another turning point in Weepu's intermittent 43-test career.
Rated by rugby lovers in Wellington, though not always as popular with All Black management, Weepu is currently on the same wave length as Graham Henry and his assistants.
Weepu's latest trip to Sydney so far sees him in a happier place. He turned 27 on Tuesday, and starts tomorrow night's Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations test against the Wallabies at ANZ Stadium - the perfect birthday present.
"It's been awesome, I've obviously made thing a lot more positive for myself," said Weepu.
"I've been able to work hard and it's paid off."
While his form has been compelling Weepu said his latest revival would not have been possible without a support crew of personal trainers, a nutritionist, family and fatherhood.
"I'm not out there pounding on the roads or anything like that," he said explaining the sessions were tailored to gaining optimum results in a tight time frame.
"It's been a great team I've put together and we've come up with the rewards."
The All Black coaches are also enthused by Weepu's rejuvenation.
"He continually has the challenge of making sure he's in good shape to play the game," said Henry, who has handed Weepu the goal kicking responsibilities tomorrow.
"He attacking those challenges and we think he's a special player in this group."
Weepu has no doubt New Zealand is the best place for him, for now at least.
After being overlooked for the 2007 World Cup next year's tournament on home soil is an obvious goal.
Gutted at missing the trip to France, Weepu chose to persevere, as he did after the Hurricanes latest disappointment in May.
"If I do move on I want to leave knowing I've done my job, and done my time with this team."
NZPA