Northland sports fans received a double dose of good news yesterday, with Rene Ranger elevated into the starting line-up of the All Blacks and netballer Catherine Latu named in the Silver Ferns netball squad for the 2010-2011 international programme.
Ranger replaces Josevata Rokocoko, who injured his hamstring in the first test
against the Springboks, on the left wing for tomorrow night's second Investec Tri-Nations test at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
It is the 23-year-old's second test match for the All Blacks - but his first in the starting line-up - after his debut off the bench last month against Wales.
The Wellsford Rugby Club player wasn't named in the 26-strong team for last week's first test so instead took the opportunity to play some rugby for the club. He played a full game for the reserves and half a match for the senior side before driving down to Auckland to fulfil his responsibilities with the All Blacks as a non-playing squad member.
He is one of two changes to last week's team. Jimmy Cowan is replaced by Piri Weepu at halfback.
Latu's inclusion in the Silver Ferns side is much more of a surprise - not because of her ability as a goal shoot, but because she has been in the centre of an eligibility wrangle since playing Samoa in the 2007 World Cup in Auckland.
The 23-year-old has been the stand-out player for Northern Mystics over the past two seasons and probably would have advanced into the Silver Ferns already if it wasn't for the four-year stand-down period served by players who switch national allegiance.
She has been included in the squad as the obvious replacement for Irene van Dyk, who is due to retire next year, but may not play until the World Championships in Singapore next July. If this is the case she will miss the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, later this year.
Latu grew up in Kawakawa, but has lived in Auckland since her senior high school days. She remains a frequent visitor to her family in the north.
