Rugby: Rookie hooker Afoa throws any chance of ABs spot

John Afoa begun his career at hooker in steady fashion but there was no suggestion he will be challenging for an All Blacks spot any time soon.

It would be unfair to expect miracles in his first move to what looks a permanent transition. His scrummaging power and mobility around the field could be an asset long term if he perseveres.

An addition to his skill set set was lineout throwing.

There were some bad throws, Afoa said. The first was wobbly, the next two were fine, I overthrew the last.

He says now it's a case of continuing to practise.

When Ted [All Blacks coach Graham Henry] rang he said have a go and see what happens. I'll spend some NPC pre-season time doing it as well as the rest of the club season to see how it works out. If I don't think it works, I'll just go back to prop.

The front-rower was happier with his efforts in the Barbarians scrum, despite the first six collapsing and it being a messy area of the game.

I think Jamie [Mackintosh], Charlie [Faumuina] and I put some good heat through there against a big front row and pack. We had the edge at times.

Barbarians coach Bryce Woodward was satisfied with how Afoa fronted.

He was pretty good as usual around the field. He missed his first throw but went okay afterwards.

Maori coach Jamie Joseph shared some of Woodward's concerns with his pack.

We struck a tough battle up front. I'm always concerned when the set piece doesn't go so well.

Joseph was also concerned that his side struggled defensively in the channels around the fringes of rucks.