Anthony Boric's self-diagnosed "brain explosion' may have made life perilous for his All Blacks teammates but he still emerged from New Zealand's 32-6 rugby test victory over Scotland tonight with plenty of kudos.
Had the North Harbour lock not been sinbinned for a professional foul as the All Blacks resisted wave after weave of Scottish attack nine minutes before halftime, Boric might well have rivalled centre Richard Kahui for the man of the match award at Murrayfield.
Like Kahui, he scored one of the All Blacks' four tries -- the final touchdown in the 72nd minute after he wrestled the ball from a breakdown and surged 25-metres to the posts. It was the second time a Boric turnover was converted into points as the All Blacks displayed their ruthless streak to devastating effect against opponents who dominated both territory and possession.
Boric's strength in prising the the ball from Chris Paterson in the 25th minute swiftly culminated in Piri Weepu forcing a Kahui grubber kick to give the All Blacks an 18-6 advantage. His ball pilfering was not his only obvious attribute as he reflected on the third start of his debut season and first try after eight pointless exercises.
Boric's lineout work was secure as he filled in for Brad Thorn and his defensive work was typically willing -- though borderline on one occasion. English referee Wayne Barnes sinbinned Boric for joining a ruck illegally, a penalty the 24-year-old had no issue with.
"I had a little bit of a brain explosion there," he admitted. "I'll certainly think twice in the future. We talked about it afterwards -- the need to concentrate on our defensive structures but not chase lost causes."
Boric endured an uncomfortable wait on the sidelines as Scotland sought to take advantage of a depleted forward pack. But he need not have worried as the All Blacks defended relentlessly for more than seven minutes on their line, critically denying Scotland a morale-boosting score.
"I was biting my fingernails a bit there," Boric confessed. "I'm just relieved they didn't get over."
Boric atoned for his lapse in judgment when the game was already safe, but still derived plenty of satisfaction from his maiden test five-pointer. "Adam Thomson had been giving me a bit of stick for not scoring in eight tests, so it was good to break that duck. I had his face in my head as I was running to the line."
And after playing a largely peripheral role this season, it seems Boric's face also fits when he is required to deputise in the second row. "I felt he really dominated the game," enthused All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen. "He did a lot of good work at lineout time. His breakdown work was good too, he scored a great try. It was probably his best game as an All Black.
"He really stood up and showed the benefit of being in the squad through the Tri-Nations and the (England and Ireland) tests prior to that," Hansen said.
Boric is destined for the bench -- or the stands -- when the All Blacks seek to maintain their Grand Slam attempt in Ireland next weekend but was mindful of at least keeping the first choice second row of Ali Williams and Thorn honest.
"I'd like to hope so," he said. "I just want to keep working hard, keep trying and try and keep them on their toes a bit."