With several All Black forwards out of play, now's the time for lock Anthony Boric to add a sting to his athleticism. Photo / Greg Bowker
Every All Black is on notice. Well, some more than others, like the twin diamonds Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter.
There is some serious heat for the tight-five and perhaps most under the blowtorch is young lock Anthony Boric.
He's played 13 tests and worked steadily since his introduction three
seasons ago. Boric has done the business but his game seems to match his looks - too nice to be a test forward.
If only the All Black surgeon could graft some of Brad Thorn's venom into Boric's athletic frame. What do we want? Some snarl and pain?
Maybe just a bit more sting. Boric is a fine athlete, a thoughtful 26-year-old who plots his way around the track with the best of them.
This is the season to add a few more weapons to his rugby arsenal, time to make an extra statement with Ali Williams and Jason Eaton on extended leave, Tom Donnelly on the way back, Sam Whitelock on the way up, Chris Jack, Josh Bekhuis and Isaac Ross hovering in hope.
Not much room to manoeuvre - now would be really good for Boric and the All Blacks.
Most open for inspection tonight in New Plymouth will be the All Black lineout, the area which became a furnace topic for assistant coach Steve Hansen.
He is back in charge and Boric is back in the black No 5 jersey.
"We were happy with the way things went towards the end of last year so it's just a matter of carrying that on and keeping things pretty simple and throwers hitting the jumpers," he said.
The theory sounds sharp; now it's up to Boric and his buddies to implement it.
He admits his form was not top-quality during the Super 14 as he dealt with injuries.
He had listened, anxiously, to hear whether he had done enough to be picked for the All Blacks.
"You're never really sure you're going to get your name called out. I felt relieved and a bit lucky so I really have to prove myself," he said.
Now Boric says it's up to him to stoke his boiler, to find the aggression to accompany his athleticism.
"It's a matter of recreating the same intensity week in, week out, and at the top level you just have to find something that gets you going every time.
"Playing for this team it's not hard and I think I'm figuring it out slowly. I need to be a bit more ruthless. I've never really been the sort of mongrel-type guy."
Boric does get wound up, he gets that gnawing uncertainty in the pit of his stomach, which will churn even more today as kickoff approaches.
Ireland should be a great first-up foe for Boric and his tight-five buddies.
The visitors know if they are to have a chance in this test they have to hang tough in the set-piece, while the All Blacks see those areas as the foundations for victory to start their season. Cue the lineout, scrum and Boric. Nothing like pressure.
"It could be a turning point for me to perform well, to cement a place in my career and if you don't, you could be gone and that's just the nature of being in this team," he said.
"You have to brace and give it your best shot."
Pay just
per week ongoing
Pay just
per year ongoing
30
