All Blacks: Ellis gets his chance to impress selectors

It will be Andy Ellis' first start since Milan last year and his 17th test in four years. Photo / Getty Images

The third halfback spot in the All Blacks lacks a certain amount of sex appeal, like the band who plays before the band who plays before the main act.

But come World Cup time next year, whether you're the first man picked or the 30th, there's a chance for sporting immortality.

Jimmy Cowan and Piri Weepu are considered, when fit and firing, to be the best two halfbacks in the country, though neither are without detractors.

Behind them is a small group of No 9s who desperately want to be involved next year. Waikato's Brendon Leonard is the forgotten man of New Zealand rugby, but he went to France in 2007 and will be hoping for a decent run of injury-free rugby next year.

Alby Mathewson's pace and ability to spy holes has won him a place on this tour and many admirers - though he did struggle feeding to the scrum against England at Twickenham.

And then there's Andy Ellis, the starting halfback for this weekend's test against Ireland and the man who probably has the most to win, or lose, out of all the 44 players suiting up at Lansdowne Rd.

"I had a couple of chances off the bench and I wasn't too sure how much game time I'd get on this tour," Ellis said. "It's a great honour and I'm really up for it. It's going to be a special weekend."

Ellis is what's known as a great tourist, something that is valued in players that do not see as much on-field action as most.

He's got the halfback's ability to give as good as he gets verbally, is always upbeat and keeps himself in great shape whether he's playing or not.

It's those sort of qualities that helped him win a place ahead of Weepu to France in 2007.

But his off-field qualities count for little if he comes up short on the pitch.

It will be the 26-year-old's first start since Milan last year and just his 17th test in four years.

"It's been tough missing teams in the last couple of years and when making them getting a few runs here and there. I see this as a real opportunity. I'm pretty excited about it, I've worked really hard for it. It's the first time in a while I haven't had a niggling injury hanging over me.

Ireland have a tendency to come screaming out of the blocks so there will be interest in how Ellis copes with the pressure he will get at the back of the scrums and rucks.

He does not believe there is a danger he will be caught short.

"I've been getting 20-30 minutes off the bench which is a decent amount of time. I feel like I'm ready for a start."