Veteran All Black lock Chris Jack, who has "some unfinished business" in New Zealand, is looking forward to experiencing Currie Cup rugby in the next few months.

The 30-year-old Jack, who has 67 Tests for his country to his credit, will make his Western Province debut when they face the Sharks in the opening round of the Currie Cup at Newlands on Saturday.

Addressing a media briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday, after being named in the WP side, Jack admitted that his stint with Province could be the launchpad that will see him add more Test caps to his already impressive rugby CV.

Jack, who played the last of his Tests in New Zealand's 2007 World Cup quarterfinal exit at the hands of France in 2007, said he was looked forward to a "new challenge" in Cape Town.

Having experienced European rugby, playing for Saracens in the 2008/09 season, admitted he was always "keen to experience the Currie Cup".

His last competitive match was when he played for the Barbarians against Australia last month and although the BaaBaas were on the wrong end of a Wallaby hiding, Jack is not concerned that he will be underdone on Saturday.

"I have been playing professional rugby for 10 years now, and you know what is required," Jack told the media gathering, adding: ""The guys have trained hard this week and brought me into it."

He added that he is looking forward to being "on the right side" of the vociferous Newlands faithful on Saturday - having been in the opposition camp many times as both an All Black and Crusaders player.

"Newlands is a special place," Jack said, adding: "Just coming down the road to the ground in the bus, the way the supporters react to you."

The All Black lock said that he has enjoyed his stay in Cape Town so far, describing it as an "awesome" place.

Although he admits that there are "no guarantees", Jack said he had "some unfinished business" with the All Blacks.

When he returns to New Zealand at the end of the year he will sign a two-year deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union, which will take him through to the 2011 World Cup.

"I need to show the right form," Jack said, adding that he hopes to start producing that form in the Currie Cup before returning home.

He added that he will have to wait and see what Super 14 franchise he plays for next year, as he is awaiting for the NZRU to allocate him a place.

"Hopefully I can play for the Crusaders again, although they already have two All Blacks locks at the moment," Jack said.

The Crusaders have in Brad Thorn and Isaac Ross the current All Black locks.

Jack’s greatest attributes are his line-out ability, scrummaging strength and considerable athleticism - especially for such a big man, standing at 2.02m and weighing in at 115kg.

365

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