Martin or Maori is question for Spencer

Injured Carlos Spencer watching the Blues lose 22-10 to the Hurricanes on Friday night. Picture / Bradley Ambrose

Justin Marshall could sidestep the All Black trial and Carlos Spencer may turn down the chance to play for New Zealand Maori against the Lions to appear in the Jonah Lomu-comeback and Martin Johnson-testimonial at Twickenham next month.

Spencer, sidelined by a broken cheekbone and unable to play for the Blues in Friday's match against the Hurricanes, has apparently already declined a formal farewell from Eden Park - although he could conceivably figure if the Blues somehow win through to the playoffs.

While Spencer is maintaining his silence on a move to Northampton and the timing of that shift, it is understood that he is keen to feature in the Johnson match on June 4.

That is the same day the Lions take on Bay of Plenty. On June 3, the All Black trial is held in Napier and the Maori take on Fiji in Suva as a warm-up match to their June 11 game against the Lions.

Turning down a representative black jersey when the Maori meet Fiji would draw a final line under Spencer's colourful and controversial career in this country. A press conference is expected this week, possibly tomorrow, which may cover Spencer's decision on his move to Northampton and the timing of it.

However, it's the possible presence of Marshall which may hold the greatest interest as most, if not all, of the other players in the Johnson match are expected to be former All Blacks and non-Lions players who will line up in Southern Hemisphere vs Northern Hemisphere teams.

Marshall is understood to be keen to play and would be one of the few current internationals likely to be involved in next month's first test to be on show.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry would not be drawn on whether he approved of Marshall's presence in the testimonial, which would take him out of the All Blacks trial on June 3 - even though Marshall would've been rested for the trial if the Crusaders, as seem likely, make the final of the Super 12.

"This kind of thing is dealt with by the NZRU," said Henry, "and you could say it is work in progress at the moment. But there is so much rugby going on these days, everyone is trying to do their best for everyone else in terms of catering for wishes.

"Some players will need to be able to play when required but we're always keen to work things as best we can.We've yet to make decisions re players who may not be required."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY