Test debut could be just a whisker away for Boss

Issac Boss sporting a bearded, Amish look (left) and yesterday at Eden Park. Pictures / Paul Estcourt And Greg Bowker

"There's a guy in the Irish side who looks exactly like Isaac Boss," a freelance photographer exclaimed, as the tourists went through their half paces at Eden Park.

To be fair, it's tough keeping up with all of rugby's border crossings.

It was Boss of course, although not quite as we remembered him.

Gone was the full beard that, joined by a cropped mop, had produced New Zealand rugby's first Amish look. It might also be the last, as it was one trend that didn't catch on.

The former Waikato and Chiefs halfback-cum-fullback, who had a stint with the Hurricanes, won selection for this Irish tour because of a groin injury suffered by Eoin Reddan, the Six Nations reserve halfback.

Forwards Simon Easterby and Malcolm O'Kelly are the major tour defections, while Reddan and flanker Johnny O'Connor are also missing.

Coach Eddie O'Sullivan said Boss, who qualifies through an Irish grandmother, had a slow start for Ulster last year.

"He wasn't making the Ulster team for a while, in and out, but since he got a foothold in the team he's improved all along. His form came very good at the end of the year.

"He's played his way in here and been very impressive."

To complete this rugby fairytale, the 26-year-old Boss will have the chance to make his test debut on Saturday at his former home, Waikato Stadium.