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Source: Photosport -
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After spending the last few months committing lineout calls and rugby plays to memory, Isaac Ross was more concerned with the alphabet as New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs named the first All Blacks squad of the season.
Ross huddled expectantly around his computer in Christchurch, following a live radio feed as Hobbs ran through the 26-names chosen for the June tests against France and Italy.
The Canterbury and Crusaders lock had been touted as a potential new cap since completing an impressive return to Super 14 action with his home province this season.
But he was dubious until Hobbs' alphabetical list revealed some notable omissions.
"When I didn't hear Eaton (Jason) and O'Neill (Kevin) or Clarke's (Craig) name I started getting a bit excited," the 24-year-old admitted.
Ultimately he was the first lock named, slightly ahead of provincial teammate Brad Thorn and Ali Williams.
"The heart was racing, it was unreal," said Ross, who has already been confirmed as an injured Williams' replacement for the season-opening test against the French in Dunedin on June 13.
All Blacks head coach Graham Henry said the rangy 1.99-metre second rower would make his debut at Carisbrook given Williams might only be available for the second French test in Wellington on June 20, or possibly the one-off test with the Italians in Christchurch seven days later.
There is a certain symmetry to Ross replacing the All Blacks senior lock, considering he was on the outer when Williams based himself in Christchurch last year.
Ross was drafted south to the Highlanders -- a setback at the time but in retrospect a wise career move.
"I didn't really get much game time in '07 and when Ali arrived I obviously wasn't going to get much then either.
"(Coach) Robbie (Deans) told me I wasn't in the squad but I was going to Dunedin.
"I was a little bit disappointed at the time but it was a blessing in disguise."
Ross logged nine game for the Highlanders, the new environment provided a new perspective on his game.
Reinstated in the Crusaders engine room after Williams returned home, Ross was head and shoulders above a list of potential partners for Thorn.
O'Neill and Clarke were out of contention before the Chiefs Super 14 final defeat while Hurricanes Eaton and Jeremy Thrush are on Junior All Blacks duty.
Ross and Hurricanes' bench player Bryn Evans -- who will train with the All Blacks' in Williams absence -- are next in the pecking order behind the Aucklander and Thorn.
Henry and assistant coach Steve Hansen said Ross and Evans still had improvements to make but they had the necessary attributes.
Ross gets first crack, and is already on notice to intensify the physicality of his game.
"He can do the core job, he just needs to get a hard edge to his game," Henry said.
"We have to get him a bit nasty. I don't think he's going to go to bed one night and wake up in the morning a hard fullah .... but if he's got the desire he'll get there."
At least Ross won't be lacking for advice when it comes to the tough stuff.
Thorn was been a source of inspiration and guidance while closer to home his father, Jock, could offer a historical insight into French forward play.
The Mid Canterbury lock, who farms in Ashburton these days, played five provincial matches in Romania and France on the All Blacks 1981 tour.
