Rugby: Afeaki bursts into contention

Chiefs prop Ben Afeaki has held his own against some formidable packs. Photo / Getty Images

Just as Owen Franks sprang from nowhere last year, Chiefs prop Ben Afeaki could be about to do the same.

The 22-year-old was a surprise selection in the New Zealand Maori squad - partly because his surname is Tongan (he qualifies because of his mother) but mainly because he leapfrogged a number of more experienced campaigners.

Like Franks last year, Afeaki's elevation to the Maori is a significant advance on where he and relevant judges expected him to be at this point of the season. There's a good chance now he could feature in all three Maori games and creep on to the All Blacks' radar.

Which is a long way in advance of where he started the season. When he was drafted to the Chiefs this year, he was hoping for limited game time but was mainly there for the training experience and to understand the extent of Super14 demands.

While he's an enormous man, at 1.93m and 127kg, his core strength needed to be improved.

He spent 2008 on a development contract - where he was effectively deemed off limits to Super14 teams as it was agreed he needed another year to physically develop.

"I am naturally strong," Afeaki said, "but I do need to work on my power and speed. My legs are a bit weak."

Obviously not that weak - Afeaki played 11 games for the Chiefs and handled himself admirably. The Chiefs scrum was hardly imposing but holding its own against some of the bigger South African packs given the lack of experience was an achievement.

"I was actually pretty excited about setting my first scrum," Afeaki said, "so I wasn't nervous. The step up to Super14 is big. It is a lot more physical and a lot faster and the hardest part of scrummaging is producing consistency.

"I learned a huge amount technically. I had been hoping for some game time but injuries to others gave me an opportunity to play a lot more.

"I was pretty surprised to be named in the Maori team as there were some talented props available."

Afeaki was a member of the successful under-20 team that won the world championship in 2008 but admits playing for the Maori is the biggest challenge of his career to date.

He also says he's close to finalising where he will play his Super rugby next year.

He's contracted to North Harbour and will return to Albany for this year's provincial championship. Because he was drafted to the Chiefs this year, he has the option to choose his franchise for next year.

The Blues would be an option, but they have depth at prop with John Afoa, Tony Woodcock, Charlie Faumuina and Tevita Mailau.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, are light in that department and returning there would open the way for Afeaki to establish himself as a Super15 regular and anchor the Chiefs scrum for the season.

"I really enjoyed my time at the Chiefs and felt comfortable there," he said.

"I'm just working through the process now and should know soon what I am doing."