Ellison looks to All Blacks debut

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Trying to balance the musical tastes of a Johnny Cash fan with those in favour of the head bobbing beats of Akon is about as tough as it gets.

Tamati Ellison reckons he and lock Anthony Boric are making progress after a couple of early hiccups in their role as the team's music committee.

"I'm into hip hop so the first day I brought a bit of hip hop and I thought if it was toned down [it would be well received], but it wasn't to be," he said yesterday.

"Coldplay's probably about as hip hop as it gets, or the Eagles."

There was further headshaking in the back seat when the rookies forgot to bring a European compatible plug after the transfer from Wales to Italy.

Ellison's still getting his head around some of his team-mates beats, but reckons he can bring them around eventually.

"Horey's there, he's a Johnny Cash man, I've had a bit of Pearl Jam, The Boss [Bruce Springsteen].... Akon creeps in there now and then.

"Its full-on hip hop pretty much with the  [Hurricanes], so Horey gets outnumbered there. It has been stressful... but the feedback's been pretty positive."

Jokes aside, the job's been a welcome distraction from a lingering calf injury.

He was kept out of a possible debut against South Africa when he "popped a calf" during training in Hamilton during the Tri-Nations.

And the injury struck again in Tokyo two weeks ago where the 26-year old was ruled out again before the opening tour match against Australia.

Finally, it seems, Ellison is set to make his All Blacks debut against Italy, probably at centre outside Luke McAlister in a revamped backline.

"It has been a wee bit frustrating," Ellison said. "I don't normally get too down about things but before the Aussie game after I tweaked my calf it was really frustrating, having come back and had a few games."

Emails and phone calls to his partner Meremaraea, and his dad Eddie have kept his confidence up, and now Ellison can't wait to get to San Siro Stadium, whether on the bench or starting.

"I've got a lot of close mates in this team and I emailed my father and spoke to my partner and they were reasonably positive," he said.

"I was just happy it wasn't all over in Tokyo and I was catching a plane back to New Zealand.

"I'd love the opportunity to play and get my first cap. I think there is [a lot of excitement],' he said. "I'm not sure if too many guys are talking about it because the team hasn't been picked, but there's a definite buzz that an opportunity could be coming up.

"I'm not sure what I'll feel. I'm definitely looking forward to it. I'm a footy player not a bag boy so I'd love an opportunity."

- © Fairfax NZ News