Rugby: Two-way wager made by Collins

By WYNNE GRAY

Prospective All Black flanker Justin Collins is playing his most dangerous game of the season.

The Tasmanian-born Collins is aiming for a place in either the All Blacks or New Zealand A sides who tour Europe next month, though he has signed a standby contract in Australia.

The tug-of-war for his rugby ability may just be warming up after Collins' manager revealed that the 26-year-old breakaway had signed a three-season deal with the Waratahs.

"I'm aware of the interest in Justin from New Zealand, but the deal is done," said Greg Keenan in the Sydney Sun-Herald. "He has a contract. The NZRFU isn't about to break his contract."

Perhaps not, but inquiries indicated that if Collins were picked for a New Zealand trip, that would eliminate him from part of his foreign deal with NSW and Australia, a contract believed to be worth about $300,000 a season.

Speculation has increased about Collins because of his dual eligibility and superb play for Northland this season.

With Josh Kronfeld stepping out of All Black duty and David Wilson doing the same for the Wallabies, there is a gap for Collins on either side of the Tasman.

He is contracted to the NZRFU until the end of the year, but it is understood he signed some time ago with the Waratahs.

That belief increased last Friday when Collins took the final conversion of Northland's Ranfurly Shield challenge in what seemed to be a farewell gesture to his New Zealand career.

Apparently the Waratahs want Collins to be part of a loose-forward trio with Phil Waugh and David Lyons.

Meanwhile, Kronfeld has only a badly sprained right knee after appearing to suffer a serious injury in Otago's game with Auckland.

"It just scared me a bit when I did it," Kronfeld said yesterday.

"I made a couple of loud noises and squealed when it happened. It seems to have settled down pretty good.

"The doctor doesn't think there is anything major."