The fact former Manu Samoa loosie Tivaini Fomai has vacated the Hastings Rugby and Sports openside flanker role for Jack Crasborn is a tribute to the latter's ability.
"We've got some good loosies who all have their own strengths. Jack is more of a fetcher and we've also got Tom Burns who is pretty good in the No.7 jersey and both of them are a lot quicker than me at the moment so I don't mind playing hooker while they battle for the openside job," IMS Payroll Hastings Rugby and Sports captain Fomai said.
"Jack has a really good work ethic and for one who isn't that big he's prepared to put his body on the line," Fomai, a former Magpie, said.
A second year Hastings premier player, Crasborn, pointed out the tips he is receiving from Fomai were a key factor in his player-of-the-match performance during last weekend's 39-23 win against Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports at Elwood Park. This display saw Crasborn become the fifth weekly winner in the tussle for the Tui-Hawke's Bay Today Club Rugby Player of the Year award.
In fact, Crasborn's recent form is defying his lack of Hawke's Bay age-group representative experience. The Lindisfarne College product's only taste of rep rugby was as a member of the Hastings West Wakely Shield team at the inaugural under-50kg tournament in 2004.