Deans: 'All Blacks need Thorn'
Fri, 30 May 2008 11:19
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans says it will be a travesty should Canterbury lock Brad Thorn fail to make the All Blacks under the coaching of Graham Henry again.
Thorn's name is expected to be read out when Henry confirms his first 26-man squad of the year on Sunday.
It follows his latest impressive return to the 15-man code from rugby league.
His likely All Black selection was telegraphed last month when Thorn signed a contract extension with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) through to the end of 2009.
Deans, set to head to Australia to take charge of the Wallabies after the Super 14, said Thorn deserved a recall.
But he added he was also in outstanding form when overlooked by Henry in 2004.
"You would hope he [Thorn] is named," Deans told Yahoo!Xtra Sport.
"I mean he was here in 2004 when in theory we had a lock crisis. And they didn't name him.
"He has earned that right. There is no doubt about that. I would be pretty confident that he will be named," added the Australian coach.
Thorn played 12 tests for the All Blacks in his previous stint in the 15-man code, all during the 2003 season.
Previously he had been selected for the 2001 season-ending tour of Europe and Argentina, but withdrew as he was unsure what direction he wanted his professional sporting career to go in.
But after being overlooked by Henry in 2004, Thorn returned to Australia and the Brisbane Broncos league club.
Thorn has also played representative league for Queensland and the Kangaroos.
Deans said the Mosgiel-born forward epitomised the qualities of the ultimate professional sportsman.
"He is obviously competitive, he loves the contest and loves to challenge and contest himself," he said.
"You just wouldn't have taken the options that he has taken unless you are prepared to be uncomfortable.
"It is not an easy thing to do, what he has done.
"It was probably easier for him coming back to rugby in his last instance [than] going back to league, which came about through more personal circumstances than anything else.
"It is a tough thing to do, both codes are tough and very different. The fact that not many league players have made that switch easily is evidence of that.
"He is obviously a smart man. He also is a great example of a professional athlete, someone who really looks after his body, takes a pride in his body," added Deans.
Crusaders captain Richie McCaw said having Thorn's grunt, leadership and mental toughness back in the squad this year had been a huge benefit.
McCaw said it ensured the Crusaders were well-served in the tight five, with Thorn now set to join his Super Rugby teammate Ali Williams in the All Blacks.
"I believe he has played better rugby than when he left three years ago," McCaw said.
"For a guy to have been away that long and come back and slot in as if nothing has changed, it shows the calibre of the sportsman he is.
"He has picked things up like line-outs, and guys who have been here non-stop are still learning. He has just slotted in as if he has been doing the same.
"He has been great to have back. He is a big strong specimen and he has been great to have [back]," added the All Black skipper.
