Rugby: Thorn to make Tasman debut in quarterfinal

Brad Thorn will take the field against former province Canterbury in Friday's Air NZ Cup quarterfinal. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Tasman has been given a timely personnel boost ahead of Friday's Air New Zealand Cup quarterfinal against Canterbury in Christchurch with the news All Black lock Brad Thorn will make his unexpected debut for the province.

Tasman coach Todd Blackadder says Thorn is a fantastic addition and he will not have any problems slotting into a new system.

Blackadder says it will not be too difficult for Thorn as he is used to adjusting to new environments.

However, fellow All Black lock Ali Williams will not be joining Thorn in the Tasman side as he has only just started running again on his troublesome ankle.

- NEWSTALK ZB