I’m ready if the call comes, says Brok

THERE’S been times in recent seasons when Warren Gatland’s props department has been more reminiscent of Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard.

But from this season the Wales coach has a sizeable South African to call on in the shape of Dragons front-rower Brok Harris.

Harris has disclosed he would like to “give it a crack” after serving a three-year residency qualification to be eligible for Wales.

The experienced 33-year-old, who is 6ft and 18st 8lb, missed most of last season with the Dragons through injury but has returned to action this campaign.

Wales has quality looseheads in Rob Evans, Nicky Smith and Wyn Jones but tighthead has been a problem area with Tomas Francis, Samson Lee, Dillon Lewis, Aaron Jarvis, Leon Brown, Scott Andrews and Rhodri Jones having appeared.

However, none of them have managed to lock down the No.3 jersey and Harris has the pedigree, size and mobility which could appeal to Wales coach Gatland.

Versatility could be another factor with Harris able to pack down either side of the scrum.

With only 31 players permitted in a squad at the World Cup, he could give Gatland an option of taking one less prop to Japan, freeing up a place in another position.

Harris made 93 appearances for the Stormers, lining up in the 2010 Super Rugby final against 25-17 winners Bulls alongside Schalk Burger, Francois Louw, Duane Vermeulen, Bryan Habana and Jaque Fourie in front of a capacity crowd of 40,000 in Soweto’s Orlando Stadium.

The Cape Town-based Stormers also reached two other semi-finals during Harris’ seven-year stint and he packed down in the front-row against world stars like All Blacks’ Tony Woodcock, Owen and Ben Franks, and Australia’s Stephen Moore and Sekope Kepu as well as the ‘Beast,’ Springbok cult figure Tendai Mtawarira, and the Du Plessis brothers, Bismarck and Jannie.

“I’m just focusing on what’s ahead and on giving my best but if it (Wales) comes, it comes,” said Harris.

“I will definitely be open-minded to getting that international experience. That’s why you play the game, to compete at the highest level.”

And, after a pause, he added: “I would definitely give it a crack if the opportunity arose.”

Harris said he didn’t find it much different packing down at loose or tighthead.

“It’s not a major adjustment to make. Tighthead is getting more specialised than loosehead and it’s sometimes difficult for some props to go from the tight to the loose.

“With the new scrummaging laws, it’s much easier with the bind whereas in the old days it was like a free-for-all.”