All Black exodus: Prop weighing up post-World Cup options
All Blacks prop Owen Franks is one of many current squad members that will be off contract with New Zealand Rugby after next year's World Cup and he isn't sure whether he will stay in New Zealand or join his brother overseas.
"It [moving overseas] is an option, yeah," Franks told Fairfax. "I will keep both options alive, I am in no rush - just see how the season plays out next year."
30-year-old Franks has played 105 tests after making his All Black debut in 2009, and is set to appear at his third World Cup next year.
15-test prop Nepo Laulala, who is among the reserves for Saturday's clash with Ireland, shapes as Franks' successor should he shift overseas at the end of the season.
Franks' older brother Ben is currently based in England with the Northampton Saints, leaving New Zealand following their victory at the 2015 World Cup.
The younger Franks became part of the All Blacks' leadership group in 2017, after eight years with the national side.
"I suppose I have not been a huge talker, but having a little bit more of a voice," he said. "I didn't think too much about it in the past but it was something I wanted to be involved in and take on."
Only 118-test veteran and 2011 World Cup hero Tony Woodcock stands in Franks' path when it comes to the All Blacks' most capped props, though the accolade is an afterthought for the tough front-rower.
"Woody has really deserved that record, his durability was awesome. If it happens, it happens. I think most guys who get past 50.. or up around 100 tests you are obviously way at the other end of the scale and you know your time left is limited to a certain degree.
"So you forget about the number and just try to make the most of it."
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In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
Go to commentsI’d be fascinated to see what other candidates you all might have for the Lions captaincy role. Let me know, below 👍
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