Messam on the fringe of big things

Liam Messam has scored six tries in the Air New Zealand Cup - equal to the best of Waikato's flying backs. Phil Walter / Getty Images

Liam Messam has had FAB written all over him for the past couple of years.

Since his days at Rotorua Boys' High School, the Waikato loose forward's progress has been charting steadily upwards.

Three years in the national secondary schools team, New Zealand under-19, Colts, Maori, and four years a New Zealand Sevens representative, and so people have muttered "Future All Black" as he's climbed each step.

He's had a special year. First there was a Super 14 contract with the Chiefs; then selection for the Commonwealth Games, where he scored two important tries in as many minutes in the final against England as Gordon Tietjens' men won the gold medal.

Then it was off to Canada with New Zealand Maori. The Churchill Cup was won; Messam was named player of the tournament. And now Waikato, where he cannot be accused of wasting his chances.

He's part of a formidable loose forward mix. There's All Blacks Marty Holah, Steven Bates and Sione Lauaki and another up-and-comer, Steven Setephano. So they've all taken a turn on the bench. Tomorrow night Messam is among the reserves for the semifinal against Otago in Hamilton.

But Messam has often been outstanding. He's got six tries - the same as backline fliers Sitiveni Sivivatu and Richard Kahui - has been a ball-winner at the lineout and invested his game with the sort of robust vigour to get himself noticed.

Messam's secondary school experience provides a fascinating snapshot of how some players make it, others just don't.

In his first year, 2000, he was part of a national team who thumped Australia 44-0 in Wanganui. The only other player who could be termed to have made a noticeable impact since then is Setephano, his Rotorua Boys High mate.

A year later and the team who beat England 33-7 has a Who's Who look to it: Glen Horton, Joe Rokocoko, Ben Atiga, Tony Koonwaiyou, Luke McAlister, Jimmy Gopperth in the backs; Messam, Jerome Kaino, Craig Clarke, John Afoa and Ti'i Paulo, who captained Tasman in this year's Air New Zealand Cup, in the pack. All Blacks or national championship players all.

He's enjoying his season, as you'd expect. He talks of players being close off the field "and that's part of playing well on the field. There's a good team buzz".

And of his own contribution? "I'm quite pleased. But we've still got a job to do. It's no good having a good season if we can't win the semifinal."

Messam is adaptable. He can, and has, filled all three loose forward roles. There's a school of thought that his problem is going to be settling into one position.

He hadn't played No 8 since school but the early absence of Lauaki with injury opened a door to the past.

"When I first went to Waikato [from Bay of Plenty] John Mitchell was the coach and he put me at No 6," Messam said. "This year I went back to No 8 and really enjoyed it, but I don't mind where I play."

You can only guess at the frustration any of the loosies might privately feel at the logjam of talent at Waikato.

"Obviously you're going to be a bit disappointed for a while, but you put your head up and chug along. Being human you would be disappointed to miss out.

"That's the way rugby goes, because you can't have four loose forwards out there."

He reckons his big improvement this year has been "hitting the rucks, being more of a presence than I used to". He believes he's done more this year than ever before.

Messam loved his time with the Maori and won't have a bad word to say about Sevens.

"That's a team that's always close to my heart. Melbourne was probably the highlight of my career so far."

Which brings us to the All Blacks, who have a tour to Europe coming up next month. No, he switches off when people say his name and 'ABs' in the same sentence.

"I try not to listen to what's going on. People can talk you up but then you can be slammed right back down. The guys in my team and my parents always bring me down to earth."

Messam, born in Blenheim, was adopted into a family of eight, the second youngest. Four boys, four girls. Growing up meant happy memories.

"My parents were wonderful. My dad had a soccer background, so we'd always be outside with my brothers playing soccer or cricket or rugby. Good times."

Lots of family means lots of noise. To this day, he doesn't like silence, likes to have company.

What company will he have next month, his mates or All Blacks? He has to be a chance, and must have been discussed round the selection table. It might be a year too soon.

Then again, after the sort of year Messam's had, and with 32 players affording a bit of room for movement for Graham Henry and his selectors, it may yet become the ideal end to a fine year.