Ben Botica signs for Harlequins

[RAWWeyman]

22 year old Ben Botica played for North Harbour in last seasons ITM Cup. He plays Centre or Fly Half.

A nice signing for Quins in my opinion, will be difficult to get a starting berth over Evans, Turner-Hall or Lowe/Hopper though, so may see him as a utility back sub instead of Urdapiletta.

http://www.espnscrum.com/premiership-2011-12/rugby/story/162880.html

 

[RAWWeyman]

Accidentally created two threads... somehow. Use this one.

 

[nickdnz]

I agree that it is a good signing. I think he was pretty underrated in New Zealand, certainly would starts ahead of Michael Hobbs at the Blues (if not all the others). He's capable of some very classy touches now and then, just needs to work on his consistency.

Almost scored one of the best tries that never was.



I also don't think he's been capped for New Zealand in any team (7's/B's), so that's a bonus.


His father was an amazing fly half. Played for North Harbour, New Zealand Maori, North Island, New Zealand 7's, New Zealand Emerging Players, Anzac XV, All Blacks, Kiwis, Wigan Warriors, Castleford Tigers, Vodaphone Warriors, Chiefs and interestingly enough Croatia's National Team.

 

[psychic duck]

just to let you know Botica isn't a centre and has never started a professional match there, he's very much a specialist fly half

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I dunno, Turner-Hall has been pretty useless this season, from the games I've watched - could well slot in there.
Can't see him playing 10 much with Evans and Clegg around.
How's his goal kicking? Could have been brought in to play centre when Clegg's at 10, as Clegg's kicking is very flakey.



Edit: Just seen Duck's post. Suppose everyone needs depth, especially as Evans gets injured a bit these days, and Clegg may well be off with the Saxons at times.

 

[RAWWeyman]

His Goal Kicking is said to be excellent, scoring from 50m out on angles. 8th top scorer in the ITM Cup last season.

RE Ducky, no reason why he can't play centre, would be a shame to keep someone of his ability as a 3rd choice fly half when he could be getting game time at 12.

 

[nickdnz]

Yeah, he's capable of centre. Pretty sure he's played 12 from the bench a couple of times for North Harbour. Would be worth a bench spot surely.

Don't know if he's think a great goal kicker, but he's capable enough.

 

[sesss]

Yeah, he's capable of centre. Pretty sure he's played 12 from the bench a couple of times for Nor4h Harbour. Would be wor4h a bench spot surely.

Don't know if he's think a great goal kicker, but he's capable enough.

you are quite right. he is a great goal keeper.

 

[Teh Mite]

Edit: Just seen Duck's post. Suppose everyone needs depth, especially as Evans gets injured a bit these days, and Clegg may well be off with the Saxons at times.

This should be George Fords breakthrough season instead of Clegg. By the end of the season I wouldn't be surprised if it's a 3 way tango for the England shirts between him, Flood and Farrell - Particularly as Dad won't be shoe-horning his boy in there.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

just to let you know Botica isn't a centre and has never started a professional match there, he's very much a specialist fly half

Yeah he hasn't played centre before, as far as I know. Quite a small player too. Played halfback a bit at school, though.