News

Thorn making up for lost time

Friday 25th July 2008

Thorn: Set to vent his frustration on the Wallabies

New Zealand lock Brad Thorn is ready to make up for lost time when he runs out against Australia in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash in Sydney.

The former Rugby League player was forced to watch his team lose to South Africa from the sidelines in Dunedin two weeks ago following his one-week ban for a dangerous tackle on Springbok skipper John Smith in Wellington's Tri-Nations opener.

New Zealand lost 28-30, their first defeat on home soil in a record 31 outings.

Also watching were a swag of people closest to him.

"It sucked, that's probably the best word," Thorn told NZPA of his predicament.

"I've never been good at watching stuff.

"It was a game I was really targeting. It's a pretty personal game for me in Dunedin because I was born in Mosgiel.

"It's where my father was born and it would have been special with all my family and friends there."

Thorn expected the worst following the Smit incident when his punishment was dished out a day later following the All Blacks 19-8 win against the world champions.

He got the bad news about Dunedin but in the back of his mind, he was relieved that he was free to tackle Australia - the country where he forged a successful career in League.

"When the guy at the judiciary said 'one week', it was really disappointing but on the other side this was a game that I didn't want to miss," he said.

"It's a big deal over there, it's just a fantastic atmosphere. A whole bunch of Kiwis come over, the Aussies are all pumped up.

"I've played a fair bit of big-match footy over there and know how big it can get."

Thorn's two Tests against the Wallabies in All Black colours were both 20-minute cameos off the bench at Saturday's venue, ANZ Stadium.

The first was a record-breaking 50-21 win and the second, New Zealand's 10-22 World Cup semi-final defeat in 2003.

"That was two good experiences for me," said Thorn.

"I guess one of them ended up being pretty disappointing."

The influence that 33-year-old Thorn brings with his power scrummaging and authority at the collision was clearly missed at Dunedin.

It was exacerbated when locking partner Ali Williams exited with an early injury, leaving rookies Anthony Boric and Kevin O'Neill to carry the load.

Whether Thorn and Williams can improve New Zealand's muddled line-out form this year come kick-off on Saturday remains to be seen, but they and another recalled Crusader - prop Greg Somerville - are likely to contribute towards a scrummaging edge.

Forwards coach Steve Hansen was blunt when asked if he felt more comfortable with Saturday's starting pack than the one that finished at Dunedin.

"It does have a little more experience to it, a bit more grunt to it," said Hansen.

If they muscle up, fly-half Daniel Carter is in the sort of form to control his 50th Test with astute kicking and potentially unleash a back-line laden with ball runners but lacking experience apart from full-back Mils Muliaina.

However, Carter said it could be a long night if the Wallabies pack established control of the breakdown as they did in the 16-9 win over South Africa at Perth last Saturday.

"They're a very lethal back-line and they have been for a few years now," Carter said, singling out inside backs Matt Giteau and Berrick Barnes as unpredictable attacking threats.

"They're both great readers of the game and will direct their guys around the field well with a kicking game but they're both capable of playing attacking, running rugby."

Carter defended well against the physical Springboks in both Tri-Nations encounters played this year and has been a pivotal figure in all five of New Zealand's Tests this season.

His goal-kicking has been exceptional, having kicked 82 of the All Blacks' 149 points, a high ratio compared to recent seasons.