by Paul Cook - Tomorrow night sees the NSW Waratahs take on the Highlanders in a Super Rugby semi-final shoot-out for a place in this year’s Grand Final. A special group of players under a special coach and his staff, have the chance to make history as the first New South Wales team to make back-to-back finals and with it, a chance to defend the precious title they so richly deserved 12 months ago. For some, it will be the last time they grace Allianz Stadium in the famous Cambridge Blue. A win will take the Tahs to Wellington or, if the Brumbies can overcome fatigue, jetlag and a rampant Hurricanes on their own turf, maybe even back to ANZ Stadium, scene of last year’s memorable triumph. Defeat will bring with it the end of an era as the head coach and several high profile players depart for pastures new. With that in mind, I’d like to tell you a little side story about a chance encounter and a very special fella. Many moons ago, seven years to be precise, I’d never actua