Rising star gets the call for Italy game

By CHRIS RATTUE

Remember his name.

Liam Messam, 19, will make his debut for Waikato tomorrow against Italy, and rugby pundits say he is a star on the rise.

The Blenheim-born Messam, who played for the champion Rotorua Boys High School team, will be at No 8 against the John Kirwan-coached Italians.

Messam played for New Zealand Secondary schools for two years, is in his second year with the national sevens, and was also in the New Zealand under-19 side who lost the world final to South Africa in Paris two months ago.

He is the one newcomer in the starting lineup. Two more - hooker Jamie Muir and loose forward Daniel Alofa - are in the reserves.

Muir is the younger brother of Waikato legend Deon Muir.

Champion rower Rob Waddell, who is in the 29-man training squad, has missed the cut this time.

Waddell has been picked by Waikato coach Ian Foster largely on potential after some impressive club games.

Waikato are without Roger Randle and Mark Ranby for the season, a back injury has apparently ended prop Tony Philp's career, Regan King is recovering from a hernia operation, Marty Holah and Greg Smith are on international duties, and captain Jono Gibbes is battling to recover from a leg injury before the start of the NPC.

Fullback Todd Miller is recovering from a knee operation, and coach Ian Foster is "reluctant" to pick him before he plays a club game.

The match will mark the restart of Deacon Manu's career with Waikato and the Chiefs, after his brief stint with the Super 12 champion Blues.

Keith Robinson, who was called to Christchurch as cover for test lock Chris Jack, returns to lead the side in Gibbes' absence.

All eyes will be on Messam, who has had only four training runs since returning from the sevens side.

Foster said: "It is a selection of faith in Liam. While he's not had a lot of 15-a-side rugby, we know he is an impressive footballer and Saturday is his chance to show us what he can do."

Waikato: Loki Crichton, Matt Priscott, Derek Maisey, Keith Lowen, David Johnston, David Hill, Rhys Duggan, Liam Messam, Scott Couch, Steven Bates, Chresten Davis, Keith Robinson (capt), Deacon Manu, Scott Linklater, David Briggs. Res: Jamie Muir, Michael Collins, Sean Hohneck, Daniel Alofa; Isaac Boss, Haden Hireme, Todd Miller.

* Italian coach John Kirwan says "rock solid" defence set up his team's 18-13 win over Taranaki in New Plymouth on Wednesday night.

"That was a good win for us," Kirwan smiled after his side's second win of their tour. "I thought the team showed courage and spirit, and those are the emotions we are going to need going into the World Cup."

Italy left six top players at home, and Kirwan said the team against Taranaki was close to as strong as he could field from the tour party.

Taranaki coach Kieran Crowley could not hide his disappointment after his side lost a match they had dominated for long periods. "We had enough chances, but didn't nail them."