Big bad Brad backs 'monster' Bekker
Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:33
Bad boy: Brad Thorn remains unrepentant
All Blacks bad boy Brad Thorn reckons that the Springbok tight five will not lose any of their power with the inclusion of Andries Bekker in place of the injured Bakkies Botha.
Thorn spoke to journalists ahead of the crucial Tri-Nations Test between the Springboks and New Zealand at Newlands on Saturday, and said that he rated newcomer Bekker very highly indeed.
There have been concerns that Victor Matfield and Bekker, South Africa's starting lock pairing on Saturday, are too similar in style, leaving the Boks without a physical dominator in the contact phases, a role that Botha has perfected.
But Thorn dismissed the notion out of hand, and said he was most impressed with Bekker's physical stature.
And with the Stormers lock standing 2,08m tall in his socks, it's hard to disagree with the All Black enforcer.
"Bakkies brings a physical element to the game, but they [Springboks] have brought in an absolute monster [in Andries Bekker]," said Thorn.
"He's playing at his home ground, he's from this area, and I'm sure it's going to be a big moment for him.
"I think he's a real talent. I don't think [the Boks] are going to lose anything with what he brings to the game.
"I've been really impressed with him," he said.
Meanwhile, Thorn also gave some insight on his thoughts regarding his infamous spear tackle on Bok skipper John Smit during the Tri-Nations Test in Wellington in July, an incident that enraged Springbok fans and also ruled Springbok skipper John Smit out of the remainder of the tournament with a groin injury.
Thorn said that he felt no regrets over the incident, and that he cleared the air with the Bok skipper that same day.
"I'm sorry that it cost my team three points and that I was suspended for a week," said Thorn.
"Sometimes there is pressure around matches, and much contact. Things happen. One must accept it and move on.
"I spoke to John during the match and immediately afterwards. There were no ill feelings," he added.
The big Kiwi also dismissed the thought that he was regarded as a dirty player, and pointed to his record as proof of that.
"If you look at my career overall, I've been playing professionally for about 14 seasons, and it's been a pretty clean career overall," he concluded.
By Phil Coetzer
