Ormond `never got hopes up' for All Blacks

It might have been the year the underdog discovered its bite but as Bay of Plenty Steamers skipper Wayne Ormond found out yesterday, being the overwhelming people's choice for the All Blacks means nothing in the eyes of the selectors.
Ormond played with rare passion and intensity, leading the Steamers to the NPC division one playoffs for the first time but was overlooked as All Blacks selectors yesterday opted for Jerry Collins and Auckland rookie Jerome Kaino for next month's tour to Europe.
Ormond was philosophical about missing out on the All Blacks after such a glorious season, saying he never thought he was seriously in the reckoning.
"There was lots of talk around and it was great to see the support but I never got my hopes up at all. It wasn't a major disappointment for me (to miss out).
"If anything, the disappointment's more that I thought maybe one of theguys from Bay of Plenty mightget picked after such a good season.
"I might be off the mark here but while there's been plenty of talk about the Bay this season, I think maybe people haven't given us the respect we've deserved. That's life though and hopefully we'll earn that in time."
Steamers coach Vern Cotter believed Ormond and first-five Glen Jackson, who left yesterday for London and a contract with glamour club side Saracens, would have been "worthy" All Black candidates.
"I'm disappointed for the Bay guys who missed out ... the players who put in strong NPC performances and who now won't get the rewards for it."
Cotter felt there was an opportunity within the All Blacks squad for a specialist first-five like Jackson.
"Jacko has had a number of years as a New Zealand Maori player and so too has Wayne. They've both been strong performers at Super 12 when given the opportunity.
"Wayne offered a strong ball carrying ability, is more evasive around the field than Jerry Collins as well as being better defensively and a better lineout option than Collins.
"It disappoints me the selectors haven't given themselves an opportunity to see where Wayne Ormond could fit in to the All Blacks setup. They're looking for leadership and Wayne has more than proved his leadership capabilities."
Cotter said he would reserve further judgment until he'd sat down with All Blacks coach Graham Henry to get his analysis of the players selected.
"Glen Jackson's gone but I'd like to think the selectors would have a positive message for Wayne Ormond in the future."
Jackson was told last week he was in the final 17 backline players being narrowed to 14 for the tour, although Henry yesterday hinted at concerns with the 29-year-old's consistency.
"We considered Glen Jackson very seriously. He played superbly but it's fair to say this (NPC) was the one big tournament that he's played but he hasn't been a permanent member of the Chiefs at 10. If Glen continued and played an outstanding Super 12, it would have even further cemented his claim to an All Black jersey. On one campaign it was a wee bit difficult."
Cotter said they pushed the players they felt had the ability to step up, "although I thought their performances in the NPC pushed them forward even more".
Cotter felt props Ben Castle and Simms Davison, rated outside chances to make the northern tour, were still in the frame.
"They're both reasonably young.
"Although the (All Blacks') tighthead side is covered reasonably strongly, people will be keeping a close eye on Ben.
"What I'll be saying to both our props is be patient and your time will come."