All Black foundation solid without Hayman - Somerville

Former All Blacks prop Greg Somerville is confident the All Blacks are equipped with the propping expertise to ensure his former teammate - and adversary - Carl Hayman will not be missed at this year's rugby World Cup.

Somerville followed reports from France that Toulon would temporarily release Hayman to compete in the tournament - an option the New Zealand Rugby Union swiftly discounted - with interest last week.

"I'm good mates with Carl, but from my point of view the guys they had there last year ... you can't really fault how Owen Franks is going, Ben (Franks) is playing both sides and Tony (Woodcock) is going as good as ever," Somerville said.

Hayman's departure for English club Newcastle after the failed 2007 World Cup campaign in France sparked fears of a propping crisis, particularly as the 45-cap veteran was considered the world's premier tighthead.

The NZRU attempted to lure Hayman home last year but he opted for cashed-up Toulon ahead of a return to the rural lifestyle of his native Taranaki.

To be eligible for the World Cup squad All Blacks must play in New Zealand and although there had been calls to make an exception for Hayman, Somerville said it was unnecessary having witnessed the development of the Franks brothers at the Crusaders.

"Owen's only young, he's going great guns now so you give him a couple of years, with his attitude to rugby he's going to get a heap better," said Somerville of the incumbent All Black tighthead.

"They're in pretty good hands."

Somerville, who completed his 115-game career at the Crusaders in 2008, was involved in the Franks' development has now adopted another mentoring role at the new Melbourne Rebels franchise.

The senior prop on the playing roster, Somerville, 33, said he was pleased with the development of fellow front rowers Laurie Weeks, Nic Henderson and Rodney Blake ahead of Saturday's Super rugby trial match against the Crusaders in Melbourne.

"I think we're going alright. We're just keeping it simple and trying to be effective at what forwards have to do out there," he said.

Meanwhile, Somerville, like Hayman, was at peace with the end of his 66-test career.

Todd Blackadder tried to coax him back to the Crusaders - a pathway to potentially a third Cup campaign - but Somerville preferred to take on the challenge of building a new franchise in a rugby outpost.

"I watch the tests and I suppose it stirs a few emotions when the boys run out and have the anthem.

"There's always a moment when you have a bit of a thought about it, but it's only a moment then you move on with other things in your life. You enjoy the fact you've experienced what the guys out there are doing."

- NZPA