All Black lock Chris Jack scored a debut try for Western Province in the Currie Cup after no less than 22 seconds as his new team beat the Shark 29-15 at Newlands on Saturday.
Jack joined Western Province following two years with Saracens in England, bringing a wealth of experience to the Cape Town based side with his 67 test caps for New Zealand, as well as nine years with the Crusaders.
His considerable bulk will also go a long way towards beefing up the traditionally weak Province forward pack, and he will partner former Lions lock Anton Van Zyl.
“For us as coaches he’s been brilliant,” said WP assistant coach Robbie Fleck.
“The way Chris has settled in to the side after three days of training has been phenomenal, he’s been the ultimate professional.”
“When I first met him he was as quiet as a churchmouse,” admitted Fleck.
“But when we got him on the training paddock there was this transformation to this guy that was talking and communicating, and everything that came out of his mouth made perfect sense, and everyone understood straight away why he’s the player that he is.
“He’s a man of few words, but a man of action.”
He was all action shortly after kickoff as he got himself in the game instantly, charging down a Rory Kockott attempted clearance kick before gathering and diving over in the corner unchallenged.
Not a brilliant try by any means, but a great start to his Currie Cup and Western Province career, which we think New Zealand and Saracens fans might appreciate seeing. We’ll keep tabs on his progress throughout the season.
Time:
0:46
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