Ben's looking to make up for lost time

Prop Ben Franks is looking to make up for lost time as he prepares for the start of New Zealand's test rugby programme.
Franks, 26, made his All Blacks debut against Munster at the end of 2008, but injury has prevented him from adding to that one appearance for the national side.
A stress fracture in his left foot curtailed his Super 14 participation with the Crusaders last year and he played five times for Tasman before needing more treatment on the injury.
"It was a tough year full stop last year, just watching anyone play," he said yesterday.

 "I had big goals for that year and I was watching them go past me."
What his spell on the sidelines did do was allow him to do focus on improving aspects of his game.
They included concentrating on playing both sides of the scrum, in particular improving his ability on the loosehead, and he also had time to work on building up his size and strength in the gym.
It was then fingers crossed that the new season would go as smoothly as possible.
"It pretty much has," he said.
"I got through the Super 14 uninjured and that was my goal.
"If I could stay healthy and get on the field, I gave myself a shot of trying to make this side."
Franks duly made the 26-strong All Blacks squad announced last weekend for tests against Ireland and Wales this month.
He was joined by brother and fellow Crusaders prop Owen who, while his junior in age at 22, is his senior in All Blacks appearances.
The younger Franks made his test debut last year and has since gained nine caps, impressing with his scrummaging at tighthead and also with his general play around the field.
The Franks are the first brothers chosen for the All Blacks since Aaron and Nathan Mauger nine years ago.
Ben  said it had not been a goal as such for the pair to be selected together, "but it's quite an awesome thing".
Owen  said the two spent a lot of time together when growing up and had a "pretty good bond".

 There was also a bit of rugby played in the backyard.
 "It was always cool to get a victory every now and then against him."
There was still some residual  sibling rivalry between the two in the All Blacks camp, such as at fitness training yesterday,  with Owen  saying it was difficult not to try to outdo his brother.
 "There's a little bit, it's hard not to," he said of the brotherly competition. "But Ben has probably got it on me on the fitness side of things. He always has. I definitely strive to be as fit as him one day."
Meanwhile, injured trio Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui and Tom Donnelly are almost certain to miss the test against Ireland in New Plymouth next Saturday.
Assistant coach Wayne Smith  yesterday  said they were unlikely to be chosen.
 It leaves Cory Jane (fullback), Benson Stanley (second five-eighth) and Anthony Boric (lock) as the likely starters.

 The All Blacks  travel to New Plymouth  tomorrow to begin their build-up.NZPA