Rugby: Chiefs' Bourke has aptitude for All Blacks

Colin Bourke. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Some things come as no surprise. Take, for example, scanning the Chiefs website and finding that Colin Bourke's favourite player when he was coming through the rugby grades was Zinzan Brooke.

When you think about it, there is some similarity. Not that Bourke would ever offer such a thought.

The 25-year-old is still a fledgling rugby player even though he made his provincial debut in 2003 and his Super 14 start two years later.

There were some ups and downs and a year away playing rugby in Italy, but in the past two seasons Bourke has gathered his kit together.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster has enough faith in Bourke's ability to promote him ahead of All Black Sione Lauaki for tonight's game against the Cheetahs.

He has size, speed and ball skills which would be the envy of many loose forwards and the next stage in his progress is all about work rate and consistency.

Bourke's skills allowed him to play every position except halfback in the Hawkes Bay backline before he transferred to the Bay of Plenty in 2004 and was converted into a loose forward.

"He is naturally gifted, very talented and he is a good leader for us," Bay of Plenty coach Sean Horan said.

"Sometimes that can be to his detriment because he thinks a lot more ahead. Sometimes he might be thinking about the third or fourth phase instead of the first. He has fantastic vision and because his skillset, with his kicking and his space awareness, he plays quite a loose game.

"Sometimes we demand he gets tighter for us especially around set-piece launches from the back of the scrum. He is quick from there and explosive and we want him to be a ball carrier. He is tough and plays through injuries but is a vital player for us."

Horan felt Bourke was like a few of the Chiefs who may not have played to their potential consistently, but the Bay coaches had huge trust in their captain and were looking to this game with great anticipation.

"He will benefit playing against better players at the Super 14 level and from another campaign as well. There will be all sorts of learning," Horan said.

Bourke has played almost 70 games for the Bay, he has achieved a lot and had his disappointments. He has matured to captain the Steamers, but is not a traditional No 8.

It's a career pattern similar to that of one Z.V. Brooke, who made the All Blacks early then went into the wilderness before regaining his international place.

"We expect big things from him and hope he can produce. We hope he gets some more time with the Chiefs this season and he is signed with us for a few more years at the Steamers," said Horan.

"I think he has got the mental aptitude to be an All Black. He needs to pick up a few things in his game like at the contact area or some workrate but our belief is that he can make it."