Rugby: Messam in Cup hot seat

Liam Messam says he's refusing to worry about whether he makes the All Blacks World Cup squad. Photo / Getty Images

Loosie’s spot depends on how many locks Hansen wants, writes Patrick McKendry

When even Dan Carter admits to feeling nervous before an All Blacks squad is announced, you know these are significant times for the nation's top players.

And, while Carter will almost certainly attend his fourth, and final, World Cup, one player who is probably feeling more anxious than most is Liam Messam, the Chiefs loose forward who suffered the pain of missing the cut four years ago.

For Messam, a lot will depend on whether Steve Hansen selects three or four locks. If the All Blacks coach goes for the former - and Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Luke Romano are almost certain to be selected - Messam's chances are greater. If not, there will be five, not six, places for loosies, and he might find Victor Vito has overtaken him, just as he did four years ago.

It might mean Messam's final act for the All Blacks this year was to be involved in a pushing and shoving match against the Wallabies while on the sideline as a water boy for the All Blacks at Eden Park recently and for which his team was fined for failing to maintain discipline.

Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Sam Cane and Jerome Kaino can pack their bags, but Messam, who has played only two tests this year, including a disappointing performance in the No 6 jersey against South Africa in Johannesburg, will be waiting anxiously for a phone call before Sunday's announcement.

The 31-year-old, who played an ITM Cup match for Waikato against Manawatu last weekend - the first time in four years he has played for the Mooloos - might have considered his return a mixed blessing. Vito didn't play for Wellington against North Harbour, although he will against Northland at the Cake Tin. How significant is that?

Either way, Messam, who played such an important role for the Chiefs during their title wins in 2012 and 2013, says he is remaining philosophical. One lesson he learned four years ago was that there is no point in worrying about something you have no control over.

"It's an experience I've been through," Messam told Stuff recently.

"You can't really worry about selection, it's up to the coaches.

"I've been through it four years ago, so, I've learnt my lessons from there. The sun will come up on Monday."

One player hoping Hansen goes for four locks, rather than three, is Jeremy Thrush, who recently got the all-clear on an ankle injury while playing for Wellington. His selection would allow the All Blacks to have four specialists for training - including opposed lineouts and scrums. Not to be too disparaging, but with Namibia, ranked 20th in the world, in their pool, the toughest scrums and lineouts during that test week are likely to be at All Blacks training.

Elsewhere, the heat is on the outside backs. Julian Savea and Ben Smith are locked in, with Charles Piutau impressing in all of his opportunities recently. That leaves probably only one space for Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Colin Slade and Nehe Milner-Skudder.

Nervous times all around.