Career high for pack man | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

Twenty-five-year-old tighthead prop PETER BORLASE, one of the key figures in Canterbury’s Ranfurly Shield victory, talks to Nick Tolerton

That had to be the highlight of your career so far?

 

 

 

 

Definitely. It’s something as a kid you see on TV. To be a part of it on Saturday night was something I’ll hold close to me for a long time.

How long did your celebrations last?

About 4.30, but I’m on a dry campaign at the moment, so it was just orange juice for me!

What was the secret of that front row domination?

Obviously we didn’t put the best performance in against Tasman, and we really wanted to rectify that. We worked well as a pack during the week and we built towards the game and we were all in a good headspace, so we were pretty confident heading into the game. And there was, I suppose, a little bit of pressure as well, which helps bring out the best in players.

After the way you monstered Wellington captain Jake Ellison, what did he say to you afterwards?

He’s a real nice guy, a good man off the track, and he’s been trucking really well, he’s a good player and obviously being in the Junior All Blacks he’s no mug. I just thanked him for the game and said I got a bit of wake-up call against Tasman the week before, so I just said, Mate you’ve just got to get back on the horse, and wished him well for the rest of the season.

Fans will be wondering if Canterbury can maintain that intensity without the AB stars?

The energy from the All Blacks is infectious. When they come in, even if it’s for a week or a couple, they bring that professional edge, and definitely a lot of the guys learn from them.

Was it your first Shield match?

My debut was ’06 and that was against South Canterbury, a Ranfurly Shield defence.

Funniest thing you’ve seen on the field?

Back with Prebbleton under-13s against Lincoln I think, a fellow ran round to put the ball down, and was waving the ball around and showing off a bit, and our fullback pushed him across the dead ball line.

What’s your first rugby memory?

When I was about five, sitting over at Prebbleton Domain in the back of the old man’s HG Kingswood, and had the electrical tape taping up my boots and socks. He was always telling me to keep my socks up! I still try to, Dad!

Favourite movie?

Any comedy. Wedding Crashers.

TV?

Uum, Coronation St.

Favourite holiday destination?

Anywhere with good friends. Fiji’s not too bad.

Last book you read?

I borrowed The Ice Man off Owen Franks. It’s about a cold-hearted killer, so that was right up his alley. He gave me a bit of a love, so I’m reading that at the moment.

Favourite meal?

Healthy or …? Whatever Sean Maitland, my flatmate, is cooking at home – once in a blue moon. I back myself in the kitchen. I’m playing around with a slow cooker at the moment my mum bought me, mixing up a few options with lamb shanks and that. Turn it on before training, and she’s good to go when you get home.

Who’s your best mate in the Canterbury team?

Lot of good fellas in this team. But the guy I love to hate would be Tyson Keats. He’s definitely a character — one minute I would want to have a coffee with him, and the next to throw him off the Waimakariri bridge. He’s a cheeky wee bugger.

Worst stirrer?

Andy Ellis. Puts a lot of stuff in behind the scenes.

Worst roomie?

Ti’i Paulo. That piece on me he put in The Star after we stayed up in Auckland, my nana read it and she wasn’t too happy about it. My nana’s not happy with Ti’i, either. So I definitely must correct what happened that weekend – Ti’i was the one that came home early on the Sunday morning and kept me up. And he leaves socks everywhere and doesn’t air out his clothes!

Best and worst dressers?

Best, Ash Parker or Tu Umaga Marshall. They bring their Wellington flavour. I think they’re the only guys in the team with earrings and that — they’re a bit funky.

You’re not going to copy that?

No, I don’t think I suit earrings.

And worst?

Probably Sean Maitland, he gets all this free gear from Sergios but he’s a bit tight, he doesn’t want to wear any of it out. He hoards it in his wardrobe.

Main interests away from footie?

Bronson Murray got me into my free-diving. And I’m currently in the process of doing up a ’74 Holden Statesman, which I went up to Nelson to buy about four months ago.

You’re a qualified builder?

Yes, I did my time with SummitBuild with Wayne O’Donnell. When I started, first in the Academy, he was great, giving me time off work. If it wasn’t for Wayne, I probably wouldn’t have been able to get my trade and do my footie as well, so I owe a lot to him.

And you’ve got that to fall back on after footie?

I’d like to build my own house one day. But I might join the police force and do a spec house here and there. Or become a professional model!