All Blacks: Weepu still chasing World Cup dream

All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu says he has a good relationship with coach Graham Henry. Photo / Kenny Rodger

All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu expects to be playing his rugby in New Zealand next season so he can continue to chase his World Cup dream.

In April, Weepu, who comes off contract at the end of the year, flagged the prospect of going the France.

He said today that he was "pretty sure" he would be in New Zealand next year and his agent was in negotiations with the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Asked how close he came to heading overseas, he said he would be able to sense when it was time to go.

"I still had a feeling I could stay here and try to push my case leading into next year," he said.

"All those offers offshore, they are quite big, but you always have to chase the dream and the dream is to try to make the World Cup squad. You don't really want to let that chance slip."

Weepu, 26, made his All Blacks debut in 2004 and has played 35 tests.

However, the Wellingtonian was a surprise omission from the 2007 World Cup squad, with Canterbury's Andy Ellis being preferred as one of the three halfbacks.

At the time, Weepu, who was described at being "emotional" and "annoyed" at missing out, contemplated a switch to rugby league.

Today, he said he had a good relationship with the selectors - test coach Graham Henry and assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen.

"Obviously we had a fallout in 2007 but I don't see that as being much of a factor any more," he said.

"We get along quite well. For me, being in and out, it's just up to attitude. I've got keep the right attitude the whole time."

Weepu, who wasn't considered for the All Blacks' end-of-year tour last year because of an ankle injury, said he thought he was more of a chance of making the New Zealand Maori, rather than the test squad, before the selections were announced last weekend.

He admitted he had not had the greatest Super 14 with the Hurricanes, but had worked hard late in the campaign to press his claims.

As to why his form had been below expectations, he preferred not to elaborate, saying the reasons were more personal in nature.

Over the past six weeks, he had been working with a support crew, which included personal trainers and nutritionists, to build up his fitness and he felt he was close to where he wanted to be.

Weepu, who is about to become the father next month, was shopping for baby things at the time of the All Blacks team announcement on Sunday.

He got news of his inclusion via a text and phone call from his partner, who had gone to a family friend's house to watch the announcement on television.

Although he has operated at first five-eighth for the Hurricanes and Wellington, he believed his utility value "went out the door last year".

He saw himself as "pretty much a nine that has the ability to kick goals".

His goalkicking could be a key factor, especially if first-choice Dan Carter became injured.

"I haven't been the best goalkicker in the `comp' this year but I'm pretty cool under pressure."

- NZPA