All attention falls on All Blacks tour

Waikato loose forward Liam Messam in Hamilton last weekend. Picture / Sarah Ivey

A year ago Isaia Toeava was the shock inclusion in the All Blacks' end-of-year tour and the coaching staff spoke about the teenager being the prototype for the 2007 World Cup.

His skills and pace meant he was an ideal utility - his selection was an investment for the future.

That All Black admiration for Toeava remains and he peaked late in Auckland's national championship campaign, topping it with his slashing try against Wellington. However, he may be squeezed out when the squad for the tour to England, France and Wales is announced tomorrow.

Although that group has been expanded to 32, the additions look as though they will be made in the forwards with the repaired locks Keith Robinson and James Ryan likely to be given further matchplay.

That would leave compressed choices about the backline, especially as coach Graham Henry has mentioned three halfbacks will be taken.

Toeava's versatility would normally count but he is not in the group exempt from Super 14 duty next year, so he may be set for a conditioning programme instead of the tour.

That would leave Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu as centres with Nonu also left to cover wing if Doug Howlett's knee injury does not allow him to travel.

A third halfback? Jimmy Cowan has done little wrong and Andrew Ellis has not continued with the form that had him mentioned by the All Black selectors until he damaged his knee before Ireland arrived.

However, Ellis' promise and the chance to blood him into the All Black environment suggests he will get the call-up as one of the extras around the 21 players (minus the injured Greg Somerville) who are exempt from next year's start to the Super 14.

In the pack, much will depend on medical reports after tonight's national championship final and, given the late change in playing numbers, it is unwise to think the panel will not provide some late surprises.

Will Neemia Tialata be fit enough and, if he and another recently damaged prop, John Afoa, are picked, do the All Blacks need a fifth frontrower?

Fitness checks may also decide the inclusion of Ali Williams, Robinson, Chris Masoe and Reuben Thorne.

There are also strong murmurs about loose forward Liam Messam making the trip.

He may be in a scrap with fellow Waikato loosie Sione Lauaki, Mose Tuiali'i, Josh Blackie and Jerome Kaino for the last place. Messam was on a shortlist of rookies for last year's Grand Slam tour and, with Ellis, missed the cut while Toeava and Jason Eaton made the voyage.

Possible squad

Leon MacDonald, Mils Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Joe Rokocoko, Rico Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Aaron Mauger, Luke McAlister, Nick Evans, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu, Byron Kelleher, Andrew Ellis, Rodney So'oialo, Chris Masoe, Liam Messam, Richie McCaw, Reuben Thorne, Jerry Collins, James Ryan, Chris Jack, Keith Robinson, Ali Williams, Jason Eaton, Carl Hayman, Neemia Tialata/Clarke Dermody, Tony Woodcock, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore, Anton Oliver.