Where did this guy Boric come from I must be watching with my eyes shut What happened to the trials ?

Question

We used to have trials ;then you knew who was in the running Did I miss them?

Answer 1

I remember the Probables vs Possibles trials for the AB's but now that the Super 14 is here...isn't this where they base their selections as well.....

Answer 2

Trials happen every now and then but not as frequent as in the 80's & 90's. They hardly ever happen now.

As for Mr Boric... he deserves his time in Black. He has been consistent in his 2 seasons w/ the Blues. W/ the competition he has had in his position at the Blues he has now become a real contender in that franchise... w/ Greg Rawlinson leaving last year & Ali having gone south... his chances of more game time increased & it became his season.

He is also a versatile option as he can play 6 too.

I believe that the Thompson gentleman from Otago to be more of the bolter.

Answer 3

There was an issue with timing I think more then anything. There was a space of only one week between the wrap up of the Super 14 and the first test. To have a true trial I would suggest that you need all the players from within NZ playing in them which was impossible considering some of our best are in the Crusaders and who were in that final.

Possibly we also lack some depth in this area which is perhaps Boric has appeared out of the blue. Let's hope he goes alright!

Answer 4

i strongly disagree with this rog4000 character. i dont think he has a clue about what he's talking about!!!

Answer 5

Yeah - had a great super 14, but have to remember ABs don't generally pop out of the blue - many have played at national level in age group rugby, while they have been growing up.

Just no room for formal trials anymore - busy year for the ABs

What happened to Matthew Eton? thought he may have been brought in for cover.

Answer 6

Anthony Boric had a good season for the Blues in the super 14 and was consistent. The super 14 seems to be the un-offical All black trials nowadays, and whoever plays well in that gets picked. However Boric was a bit of a surprise selection, as for most of teh super 14 he played as an impact player. However with Chris Jack gone, and Troy Flavell on his way, and Eaton out, Boric seems to be the back up to Ali Williams and Brad Thorn.  He's been in and around the Junior All Blacks for a while, and was called up to the Super 14 after a great NPC season.

Answer 7

he's the guy who out played troy flavell in the blues for most of the super14

Answer 8

Anthony aka AB has had three or four seasons at provincial level with north harbour and captained most of a season when rua tipoki was injured. he is a very level headed player and very intelligent and mature for a young man. After two maybe three seasons in the blues he finally forced his was into the blues starting lineout with consistant performances off the bench not only in a locking role but also around the field and defending. His selection did come as a suprise to many but he will not let the all black jersey down. he did play one season for junior all blacks in 2006 as a call up after ruben thorne pulled out. his ability to also play blindside flank may have also helped with his selection. give the man time and he may be a fixture in the all blacks for some time. AB and Rudi wulf are products of rosmini college in north shore of auckland coming out of the same year.

I believe trials would still be good to separate the pretenders but with a already packed rugby season we have the NZRU may think thats an extra game that can be missed