Anthony Boric could be forgiven a quiet sigh of relief upon hearing he had made the All Black's World Cup squad.
The lock had spent the past few months recovering from a foot injury in June that ended his Blues campaign early and saw Jarrad Hoeata - a Super 15 star - seize the chance to perform well in three early-season tests.
In choosing the 2m tall North Harbour man, the All Black selectors have gone for familiarity and a player with proven aerial skills. He has featured on the selectorial radar since making his debut in a 2008 victory over England. Many of Boric's 20 caps have come as a replacement - in seven of his first 10 tests, he tagged on for Brad Thorn, in another it was Ali Williams.
Fast and mobile, Boric is a prime example of modern tight forwards comfortable in the loose exchanges. But if his speed around the park and knack for restarts are notable assets, then Boric's 110kg frame means he is no lightweight in scrums and the tight encounters.
Although unlikely to claim a starting spot, Boric could yet have a crucial part to play in the All Blacks' World Cup fortunes. If the selectors start with Sam Whitelock, they may feel the veteran Williams is unsuited to the bench role. In which case, the man they call "AB" will accrue some more replacement test caps.
