LONDON (AFP) –
New Zealand fly-half Ben Botica, the son of rugby league great Frano, was described as a “special” talent after kicking 18 points in Harlequins’ 40-13 European Cup rout of Biarritz.
Botica came on to replace former All Black Nick Evans who suffered a left ankle injury early in the first half of Saturday’s game.
He put in such a sure-footed performance that Quins’ director of rugby Conor O’Shea said he would have no problem in seeing the 23-year-old Botica stepping in for injured Evans at the Twickenham Stoop.
“Like father like son — his goalkicking is pretty special. He ran the game really well and attacked the line,” O’Shea said of a player signed earlier this year from North Harbour in New Zealand.
“It was the biggest match he’s ever played in, so his performance was a massive, massive plus. Ben was outstanding.”
Evans, meanwhile, faces a spell on the sidelines after leaving the ground on crutches.
“Nick will have his foot in a boot for a little while and we’ll see what it’s like,” O’Shea said.
“There’s no break but there’s a little bit of damage. We need to wait 24-48 hours and get it scanned.
“He won’t be available against Connacht next Saturday, that’s for sure, but it will be weeks rather than months.”