Wynne Gray: Bring test discards in from the cold

Nick Evans could star for England. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Used, discarded, had enough or want a change. The reasons don't matter. There are plenty of All Blacks who have chosen to finish their careers elsewhere, or had that decision made for them by the selectors.

Many are still playing quality rugby for clubs in Europe or Japan, but are unable to taste any more international action.

New Zealand has maintained its policy of picking All Blacks who are playing in domestic competitions while the IRB is sticking resolutely to its rule of one player, one nation.

The NZRU had another crack at changing that rule, but at the latest International Board conference, was supported only by Australia and England.

The rest, perhaps spooked by the recent work of Samoa and Fiji on their Northern Hemisphere tours, cancelled the idea. They were probably thinking of the threat to their chances at next year's World Cup if Pacific Island nations bolstered their playing depth with All Blacks or Wallaby discards. So halfback Kevin Senio, a four-minute All Blacks substitute against the Wallabies in 2005, remains ineligible for any other nation.

A bunch of others who have not played for the All Blacks this year or for some time - Casey Laulala, Sam Tuitupou, Doug Howlett, Sione Lauaki, Anthony Tuitavake, Rodney So'oialo, Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Soseni Anesi, Rudi Wulf, John Schwalger and Ross Filipo - would bolster the Pacific island sides. They would bring greater depth to the World Cup and even more interest.

If they have been unwanted by the All Blacks for a year or more, why not let them play for another nation? Let them represent a Six Nations side if they are keen to have them.

Let England choose Nick Evans for the World Cup. He has made his choice to stay and play for Harlequins, he has been off the New Zealand scene for three years, so why cut him out of the international landscape?

Same with Anthony Tuitavake. Bring him down with Japan or Tonga to the next World Cup, let Rudi Wulf play for France or Samoa after both players have done time on the international sidelines.

Neither played test rugby this season, they were not wanted in the All Blacks squad. So after that international isolation, let them return to represent some other nation at the World Cup.

That choice should also apply to former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga. He's been out of the All Blacks loop for five years, but has been a most valuable hired help for Toulon, Counties Manukau and now the Chiefs.

He's not (yet) in the All Blacks frame, maybe he'd like to help Samoa and join brother Mike as a test player for the islanders.