Tasman have an AB Thorn in their side
Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:49
Tasman have received an added boost ahead of their Air New Zealand Cup quarterfinal against Canterbury with the news that All Black lock Brad Thorn has been cleared to play in the match.
Thorn was initially one of a wider group of national players rested by the New Zealand team management for the All Blacks' upcoming tour, but the player himself has expressed great desire to play for his provincial side in their historic quarterfinal.
The Kiwis will undertake a six-match tour to Hong Kong and the United Kingdom in November, and Thorne has already endured a large workload at lock for his country in the mid-year internationals.
But that hasn't quelled Thorn's desire to contribute to the Tasman cause.
Team Manager John Caldwell told NZPA that he was thrilled to welcome back such an influential player to the fold.
"He's jumping out of his skin to play for us, and that's great," said Caldwell.
"With enthusiasm like that we're not going to dampen it, we're more than happy to take him."
Of course the All Black's inclusion in the side will be at the expense of one of the Tasman players who helped to get the team into the quarterfinal, and it is expected that either Alex Ainley or Will Crutchley will lose their spot in the starting XV.
Caldwell said while it was unfortunate for the player who made way, they could not ignore a player of Thorn's calibre.
"At the end of the day you put out the team that's going to win.
"Anyone stepping aside for Brad Thorn would be bloody happy to say they've been dropped for him," Caldwell said.
Tasman have been embroiled in bitter administrative battles this season to keep their place in next year's Air New Zealand Cup. There has also been ugly infighting within the team's boardroom, relating to the side's financial struggles.
In that light, Thorn's participation is welcome relief for all Tasman fans.
