Ben Alexander

CA Brumbies prop Ben Alexander has been selected as one of six CA Brumbies for the Tri Nations Test series, beginning against the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday, 22 August. Alexander was a star performer for the CA Brumbies during this year’s Investec Super 14 and has continued on that form, earning representation in all four of the Wallabies’ matches in 2009 against the Barbarians, Italy and France. Brumby Jack caught up with Alexander during his Tri Nations preparations.

Brumby Jack: How does it feel to be included in your first Tri Nations squad?

Ben Alexander: Extremely exciting as I didn’t get a chance in the Tri Nations last year – I had an opportunity during the inbound Tests and during the Spring Tour but this is the pinnacle and something I’m really excited about and will hopefully be a part of.

BJ: Are you starting to feel like a permanent part of that Wallabies squad yet?

BA: No, I still pinch myself every time I go into Wallaby camp and I think I always will. I’m very lucky to be part of what is a very good team and building towards things to come. Maybe in a few years I might [feel established] but until then I’m just taking it one day at a time.

BJ: You’ve tested yourself at tighthead for the Wallabies this season – how have you seen that experiment?

BA: It’s been good and I’m starting to feel comfortable there. But there’s some big tests to come and you can’t just move into that position and expect to perform, being a very specialised position. But this Wallabies group is a perfect one to develop that – it doesn’t get any better than being with the Wallabies full time and working on my technique every day and packing scrums against some of the best props in the world. I’d always wanted to play both sides further down the track but it’s come a lot quicker than I thought – but it’s a great challenge.

BJ: Are you expecting a noticeable step up to Tri Nations rugby?

BA: Yeah, definitely. There was a big step up from the Barbarians and Italy games to the French game. I was only on for about 25 minutes in that last Test but there was a lot more running because the French are a lot more expansive, similar to the All Blacks and South Africans. It’ll be a physical task like I haven’t encountered so we’ve had a week off and now I’m knuckling down in preparation for if I get that chance.

BJ: Where do you see the All Blacks and Springboks at the moment?

BA: South Africa seem to be on top of their game at the moment – the best I think I’ve seen them. They had some mixed results during last year’s Tri Nations but they seem to be blossoming under [Peter] de Villiers. They were undefeated in their Spring Tour, they’ve knocked over the Lions reasonably easily – when they switch on they’re almost unstoppable. New Zealand will be getting some players back and they’ve shown over time that they are the best rugby nation. I think it’ll be the most competitive Tri Nations in recent years and, touch wood, I’ll get to be a part of it.

BJ: The ARU have announced the fourth Bledisloe Test will be played in Tokyo, as the first leg of the Spring Tour. Have you played in Japan at all?

BA: No, I’ve never to been to Asia really outside of Hong Kong last year. While I can’t afford to look too far ahead, last year’s Spring Tour was the best six weeks of my life. The balance we had between sightseeing and putting together a successful tour was terrific. But all I can do is perform in the opportunities I get through the Tri Nations and hopefully book a spot on that end-of-season tour.

BJ: There’s been a fair bit of interest and media talk around your dive to score against the Barbarians. Are we likely to see any more of that throughout the year?

BA: No, definitely not. I don’t think I’m likely to get a clear run to the line like that again. I think I’d been watching too much of Adam Ashley-Cooper and his dive when he scores – but you won’t be seeing anymore of that from me anytime soon.