Marty might fly

Marty Holah is thought to be on the radar of a number of European clubs.

The uncertainty about Marty Holah's future in New Zealand will thrust a number of aspiring opensides under the All Black spotlight during the NPC competition.

Holah, the long-term understudy to Richie McCaw, is off contract at the end of this year and will shortly begin negotiations with the New Zealand Rugby Union about his future.

Rob Brady, Holah's agent, said his client is likely to re-sign with the NZRU. But having enjoyed the game of his life against the Lions for New Zealand Maori, Holah is on the radar of a host of European clubs.

While Brady has not yet received any formal offers, they are likely to come when the negotiations kick off for real.

Then Holah will have to weigh up where he sits in the All Black selectors' thoughts against what is on offer elsewhere.

If the lure of a big-money offer proves too much for Holah, it will open the way for Craig Newby, Josh Blackie, Daniel Braid and Chris Masoe to use this NPC to stake a claim to be McCaw's back-up. A place on the All Blacks' end-of-season tour will be up for grabs.

Incumbent No 8 Rodney So'oialo has been used as a back-up openside this year but the selectors have given the impression they see that more as an emergency option.

So'oialo was used against the Lions as the selectors felt they couldn't afford to have Holah on the bench because he was only able to cover one position.

That thinking will favour the versatile Newby, who is capable of playing at both openside and blindside.

Capped twice last year, Newby was close to making the test arena again this year after an impressive Super 12 with the Highlanders. He came up just short, though, as All Black coach Graham Henry felt Newby only just failed to nail down a spot at the trail in Napier.

Newby impresses with his speed to the breakdown and intelligence at the contact area. He may not steal as much turnover ball as McCaw and Holah but he does a lot of work that frustrates the opposition and slows their possession.

Newby also brings leadership, maturity and a high work rate - qualities this All Black panel have deemed high priority.

Newby's Highlanders and Otago team-mate, Blackie, is another who has previously piqued the interest of the All Black coaches. Blackie brings a different set of skills to the table.

The 26-year-old is a rangy athlete who carries the ball with the speed and agility of a wing. He is similar in style to the legendary French flanker Olivier Magne.

Blackie, however, came off the boil towards the end of the Super 12 and, like Newby, had a disappointing trial. He is also burdened by his specialism and the suspicion that Newby's support is critical to his form.

Daniel Braid has slipped down the pecking order since making the All Black 2003 World Cup squad but remains a valid option for the All Blacks.

Like Holah, Braid is built low to the ground and has good ground speed. His real skill is operating as a link man, something that would be of value to an All Black side that is looking to operate with both width and pace.

Braid will really need to produce the goods with Auckland to convince selectors he is ready for a recall.

Masoe may end up making the strongest claim of all, as the Taranaki loose forward has made spectacular progress in the last 18 months. He was the outstanding figure against the Lions, using his phenomenal strength to break tackles and forage for ball on the ground.

He will join Wellington next season to increase his chances of pushing into the test arena.

Outside of those four there are a number of other contenders who could come out of the pack.

Canterbury's Johnny Leo'o showed during Richie McCaw's injury-enforced absence from this year's Super 12 that he is a powerful ball carrier and aggressive defender.

Nili Latu impressed with his passion for the Bay of Plenty against the Lions and Ben Herring of Wellington is a player with potential.

But it might just be that all these players still have to force their way past Holah.

Waikato chief executive Gary Dawson remains hopeful that Holah will stay in New Zealand.

"I'm confident that Marty will stay. He has to agree terms with the New Zealand Rugby Union and I guess, like many guys in his situation, he has to look at what is out there for him."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY