All Blacks prop Owen Franks takes competing to another level, according to his teammate Codie Taylor, who has recalled seeing the front rower get into a fist fight with his own brother Ben in training.
While speaking to media during a press conference yesterday, Taylor said his first encounter in rugby with Franks was somewhat awkward.
"He was a pretty intimidating man, when I first come in to be honest," said Taylor.
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"I think it was 2011, I saw him have a punch up with his own brother at training.
"I was pretty blown away by it, I was like 'geez this guy doesn't take a backward step even to his own blood'.
"I just saw two punches being thrown by both sides, then Chris Jack (former All Black and Crusaders lock) broke it up."
Taylor has played alongside Owen for several years with the All Blacks and Super Rugby side the Crusaders.
"That was pretty impressive actually and that sort of set the standard of what he is about.
"I remember thinking when I was young, don't run down his channel because he has knocked a few people out in his time as well."
The All Black hooker talked up Owen's constant professionalism and work rate on and off the rugby field.
"He just goes out there and goes hard and gives everything. That's all you can ask for as a player and an All Black."
Franks responded by saying no punches from he or his brother landed.
"We're both horrible fighters, so we probably missed every punch we threw. But the intent was there."
Owen is set to become the ninth All Black to play 100 Tests, with New Zealand set take on the Wallabies tomorrow night at Eden Park in Auckland.
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