Versatile Ranger in All Blacks reckoning

Wellsford and Blues try-scoring machine Rene Ranger has finished his Super-14 season
 and is hopeful of being named in the All Blacks squad on Sunday.
But if he isn't, then he will be free to play against the New Zealand Maori side in the June 12 match  for the NZ Barbarians at Whangarei.
Ranger, who scored seven tries for the Blues in the 2010 season,  actually checked out his eligibility to play for the Maori two years ago with Northland development manager Hector Davies.
"When Rene and Hector went digging a couple of years ago, they couldn't find any Maori heritage at all and unless something's changed that's where it sits," Northland coach and Barbarians selector Bryce Woodward said.
"So as far as I'm concerned if he's not picked for the All Blacks he'll be invited to play for the Baa-Baas," he said.
Ranger doesn't think his chances of elevation into Graham Henry's squad are great.
"It's hard to say, I don't think I'll make it for the upcoming series. If I do then I'll be stoked but I'm not counting on it at this stage," he said.
The recent injuries to All Blacks midfield backs Ma'a Nonu and Isaia Toeva has given him extra reason for optimism.
"There are a few injuries around for the selectors to think about replacements so I could be in with a chance but I really don't know where the [All Black] selectors see me playing - I don't know if they are thinking of me in the midfield or on the wing at this stage," he said.
Blues coach Pat Lam used Ranger with success at centre this season and the 23-year-old is pleased to have added another string to his bow after playing in the midfield for Wellsford and Northland.
"I suppose it helps when it comes to selection to be able to play in two or more positions but I haven't heard from Graham Henry since midway through the [Super-14] season," he said.
Ranger completed the last of his Super-14 commitments this week with his review and the annual franchise's golf tournament on Friday.
"They reckoned I improved a lot on last year and said they can see me at centre as my permanent position, but I've still got a bit to work on with my decision-making on the field, knowing when to offload and improving my passing under pressure," he said.
 Ranger reluctantly undergoes a two-week compulsory stand down after the Super-14.

He watched Wellsford take a hammering at Mid Western on Saturday and is raring to help his club side out of its present predicament.
"I'd love to play but I've got to have my two weeks off first ... I'm already looking forward to getting back into club rugby," he said.
Ranger is eyeing a return for Wellsford against Hora Hora on June 5.