Auckland Blues coach and former All Blacks skipper Tana Umaga opened up about the first time he played former All Black Dylan Mika at his memorial service at Eden Park this afternoon.
Umaga first played against Mika in a trial match in Palmerston North.
"First time I came across Dylan well Dylan came across me was 1993," said Umaga.
"I was selected in a side, composite side to play against each other, so a Central region team and a Northern region team.
"No trainings we just got together on the day, had to train up from Wellington."
Alama Ieremia, Tana Umaga, Sir John Kirwan, Sir Michael Jones and Joeli Vidiri were some of the rugby greats that were at the service. (Source: Other)
Arriving in Palmerston North Umaga pondered and asked his teammates who they were facing.
"Getting there and meeting new people, new players you kind of ask 'well who is on the other side, who are they?'
"There was five of us from Wellington and straight away (his teammates said) 'oh there is Dylan Mika.'"
Umaga decided he was going to attempt to hit the biggest hitter in the opposition, Dylan Mika.
"Coming from my league days and what I have been taught if you want to make an impression for the New Zealand colts, you go out and try hit the biggest and the baddest player in the other side."
His game plan soon changed after seeing what Mika was capable of doing.
"So we kick off and that was my intention and as they do the forwards, one of our props, trying to make an impression got the ball, ran it up and then you see a 'swoosh, bang!' And that was the end of that prop.
"I was watching and I was like 'oooh who is that?' They were like (his teammates) 'that is Dylan Mika'.
"He's the man," said Umaga after witnessing the bone-rattling tackle from Mika.
"And I didn't go anywhere near him for the rest of that game, I didn't make much of an impression but I did make the New Zealand colts that year," said Umaga.
"Throughout the game I was trying to get alongside him 'aw awesome hit bro' and he was just looking at me, didn't talk to me and I was like 'what a sad guy.'
The former Manu Samoa and All Black died of a heart attack at the age of 45. (Source: Other)
"Because that is the other side you learn when you come across the big dog if you can't hit him, you get to know him and become his friend.
"I was trying my hardest throughout the entire 80 minutes to get to know him.
"If you know him - he is a quiet man, does all his talking on the field, he's really serious when he's out there but off the field you wouldn't find a more kind hearted person."
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