Rotorua ABs to shine: Massive chance for Messam

The last time Bay of Plenty had three players in the All Blacks was the year Liam Messam was born.

When the All Blacks take to the field to play their third test against Ireland at Waikato Stadium tonight, history will have a chance to repeat itself from 7.30pm.

It will be the first time since the All Blacks' 1984 tour of Australia three Bay of Plenty players will wear a black jersey.

In 1984 all three - Frank Shelford, Hika Reid and Gary Braid - played for the Steamers. This time Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick are Steamers but Rotorua's Liam Messam plays provincial rugby for Waikato.

Messam who was born on March 25, 1984, gets his chance to stake his claim for the blindside flankers job vacated by Jerome Kaino who announced in March he would be taking up a contract to play rugby in Japan.

It won't be an easy task for the 1.88m loosie who has played nine tests. Two players have come and gone before him. Victor Vito got first bite at the cherry in the first test but left the field with a knee injury, Highlanders flanker Adam Thomson had his turn in the narrow second test win in Christchurch last weekend but will play off the bench for coach Steve Hansen tonight. Messam along with his Chiefs teammates Cane and Retallick have been standouts for their side.

Messam's form on the blindside has been Kaino-like, especially in their last match against the Blues where he put aside the razzle-dazzle and used his power and aggression to help his side to a 41-34 win.

Messam, 28, has played most of his nine tests at No8 but if his 2012 season is anything to go by No6 seems a natural fit for the 109kg loosie.

Reporoa's favourite son, Sam Cane, gets his first run-on spot for the All Blacks, a well-deserved reward for his mammoth 40-minute performance last weekend. The 20-year-old featured three times in Aaron Smith's try and was one of the first to the breakdown for New Zealand.

Retallick will come off the bench tonight.