“I just want to enjoy my time while I can” – Ben Botica

Today’s clash at the Madjeski will offer a very rare sight to rugby fans as the Harlequins‘ attack will not be led by Nick Evans.
The former All Black suffered an ankle injury two weeks ago and will be replaced once again by fellow Kiwi Ben Botica.
Despite his young age, the 23-year-old revealed he doesn’t feel the need to live up to Evans or even his father, cross-code legend Frano Botica. He’s looking to enjoy his time while he can.
He told The Rugby Paper: “I didn’t feel any pressure coming in for Nick. He’s a great player but we are different player in the way we approach the game.
“I’m just trying to play my game and do as well as I can for Quins while I get the chance.
“I’m very proud of what my dad achieved and if I can do half of what he’s done I’ll be a happy man but I’m my own person and I want to achieve my own things.
“If the coaches are not happy with my game, we can sit down and discuss it but so far they’re pretty happy.”
Harlequins are making the short trip to Reading to face London Irish on the back of two convincing wins against Biarritz and Connacht to put them in control of their Heineken Cup group.
And Botica reckons the forwards will once again play a major part in the outcome of the game.
He said: “We’ve been playing well in the Heineken Cup so we need to bring that form into the Premiership.
“We’ll be trying to play our game in the same way we did in the Heineken Cup with the forwards laying the platform for the backs to look good.
“The forwards make mine and Danny Care‘s game so much easier. When they go well and produce quality ball, the game is so much easier for the whole back line.”
NICK VERDIER