Ben Franks gets the call up for Canterbury

By: Guy Heveldt | Rugby News | Friday October 26 2012 8:59

Ben Franks has finally got the call up to Canterbury.

The All Blacks prop has been released for tomorrow's ITM Cup Premiership final against Auckland and will start at tighthead.

Franks says it's nice to get a chance to pull on his provincial jersey.

"I've made myself available at certain other times but I suppose my first initial reaction when I knew I'd be made available I honestly didn't think I'd be playing."

He says if there weren't so many problems he wonders whether he would've been picked.

"I suppose a little bit of a SOS in terms of they've lost a couple of frontline tightheads but I was contracted to Canterbury and these are the situations that arise."

Franks says he's worked hard to try and get up to speed.

"Once I knew I was going to be playing I got in and got all the calls and got my head around what I need to know and made it as simple as possible so I can just go out and play so I feel 80 percent of the way there."

In a move that shows just how stretched Canterbury is with injuries, halfback Willi Heinz will start on the wing.

Meanwhile Counties Manukau host Otago in the Championship final tonight.

Photo: Photosport

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