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Some believe Liam Messam is only holding Jono Gibbes' No 6 jersey in the Waikato NPC rugby team until the All Blacks loose forward returns.
But after three solid performances on the blindside flank, Messam, 20, is making every effort to hold his position ahead of Friday night's first division match
against Wellington in the capital.
Gibbes, along with fellow All Blacks loose forward Marty Holah, is expected to return to the Waikato side next week, which would leave Messam vying for a spot on the reserves bench.
Messam was unsure about the assertion he was holding Gibbes' jersey until his return but accepted the Waikato captain would likely step back into the team for the fifth round match at home against Northland on September 11.
"The man's an All Black. He's the Chiefs and Waikato captain. What can I say? I have just got to take the opportunities I can.
"If I'm holding his jersey, then it's his jersey. I'll just do my best."
The current New Zealand sevens captain has formed a strong loose forward combination with interim captain Steven Bates and Scott Couch in his first three NPC games, scoring once in last Saturday's 59-11 demolition of Auckland and twice in Waikato's pre-season game against Northland.
"Batesy's playing really good rugby right now and Couchy is the same, he's quite under-rated. We're all working well together," Messam said.
"We're probably just doing the little things and that's getting the big picture done for the team."
Messam has also impressed with his powerful defence and his speed and sevens skills to roam wide on attack.
He has played a key role in setting up tries -- the most notable being Sosene Anesi's first-half try against Southland.
In one word, Messam described his initiation to NPC rugby as "sore" but said he was growing accustomed to the increased aggression and physicality of first-class rugby.
"It's going good. I'm just thankful that I can get the opportunity to play NPC rugby," the 1.9m, 102kg utility loose forward said.
"It's a little more structured than club rugby. It's a lot faster and a lot more physical. There are a lot bigger guys out there to tackle but I like the physical side of rugby. I like mixing it up."
- NZPA
