Boric braced for Bok duo
Anthony Boric will be up against two of the best locking exponents in world rugby when he makes his All Blacks starting debut on Saturday, but is ready for the physical challenge.
Anthony Boric will be up against two of the best locking exponents in world rugby when he makes his All Blacks starting debut on Saturday, but is ready for the physical challenge.
Bok locks Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha will be licking their lips at the thought of taking on the inexperienced youngster, however Boric (capped just three times – all off the bench) has a chance to cement his place in coach Graham Henry's long-term plans.
Boric has had a meteoric rise into the All Black set-up on the back of his impressive Super 14 form for the Blues in 2008 and stepped up sufficiently to catch the selectors' eyes.
A relative unknown at the start of the season he was lifted (apologies – ed.) into Henry's squad after the loss of Chris Jack, Greg Rawlinson (both overseas) and Keith Robinson (retired).
With Jason Eaton still not back in the frame, Ali Williams having suffered an ankle injury and Brad Thorn suspended, there was almost an air of desperation about the locking situation.
But Boric has his opportunity to shine, and it couldn't be a more daunting exercise against South Africa at Carisbrook whilst opposing Matfield and Botha.
The Bulls' duo are not unfamiliar to Boric but he has never started against both of them in Super 14 play.
Boric admitted, that like most Kiwi rugby boys growing up, he wondered if he would ever have the chance to play against the men in green and gold that he used to get up and watch playing the All Blacks in the middle of the night.
“It's pretty exciting, a great chance to test myself against two of the best locks and I'm really looking forward to it,” Boric told Sportal, adding that his start brought greater intensity to the occasion.
“It feels a bit different being involved in the starting line-up as the week builds up and going through all the plays.”
The South African line-out was impressive against New Zealand in Wellington, with Matfield pinching two balls off an All Blacks throw-in.
“We've put a lot of work into our line-out and I think we will combat them pretty well, so it should be good,” said Boric.
He's been rooming with suspended lock Brad Thorn who has been free with the tips about how to get through the Springbok defences.
“He's got a lot of experience and has a lot to offer so he's been really good so far,” said Boric.
“His main advice had been to build it up quietly during the week and peak on Saturday.
“That's the goal I suppose, not to waste too much nervous energy.”
A lot of work had gone into ensuring the scrum would not be too upset by Thorn's absence, he said.
“So I'll just have to keep my head down, push as hard as I can and do my work in that area.”