Ben Alexander
Category: Rugby
Four months ago, Ben Alexander was a name that sounded a bit familiar but you couldn’t quite place it.
Today he’s the hottest property in Australian Rugby after being picked as a bolter at the beginning of the International rugby season.
Following solid performances off the bench against France earlier in the year, Alexander was overlooked for the more experienced and in form Ben Robinson who has not put a foot wrong this year.
However, in what was to be considered some what of a chance to blood new players, an almost ‘second string’ Wallabies squad took the field against Italy with Alexander starting as loose head prop.
Remarkably the game was Alexander’s first ever ‘full’ game of professional Rugby, having never once started for club side the ACT Brumbies.
Despite an impeccable performance against England at Twickenham last week, Robinson has been rested allowing Alexander his second run on start in just three matches.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and forwards coach Michael Foley must be grinning ear-to-ear at the prospect of having two of the most versatile, athletic props in the game today in Robinson and Alexander.
Not only do they have the two, the can interchange and rest them almost at will, each just as eager as the other to put on a clinical performance and impress not only selectors, but fans and opposition alike.
Alexander remains grounded and focused despite his meteoric rise to the highest level of elite rugby.
He remains focused on improving every aspect of his game.
It wouldn’t be surprising if this 120kg weapon is doing the kicking as well in the near future.