KEY POINTS:
Greg Somerville's late inclusion in the World Cup squad yesterday came with the added conviction the prop would be ready for some contact work at the All Blacks camp next week.
A positive progress report from an eye specialist confirmed Somerville could take the final vacancy in the 30-man strong squad after a year of wretched ill-fortune.
Almost a year ago, he ruptured his Achilles tendon and just as he appeared to be returning to match fitness after two operations, he suffered some damage to the retina in his right eye. The final deadline for the World Cup selection seemed to be closing much faster as Somerville underwent more surgery.
But coach Graham Henry was able to include the 55-test veteran yesterday after confirmation the eye surgery had been a success and that Somerville, despite only six games this season, would be in great shape when the team depart late this month.
"The signs are that he'll be ready for contact before we leave for France and we'll have a good amount of training time with him in Marseille as well," Henry said.
Somerville's recovery is a huge boost for the All Blacks. He is one of the team leaders and a tighthead prop who has become proficient enough at loosehead to either start tests or cover both roles from the bench.
The fourth prop, Neemia Tialata, is also capable of covering both sides of the scrum while standby prop John Schwalger does not have the experience, the savvy or the skill of the others.
The 29-year-old Somerville was picked for his first test in 2000 and was tighthead prop in six of the All Blacks' seven tests at the 2003 World Cup. The following year Carl Hayman took over as the premier tighthead prop and Somerville began learning the science of loosehead.
The All Black selectors were extra-wary that if they named Somerville in the squad and he had to be replaced, they could not then use him later in the tournament. However, Henry was sure there was no risk about his fitness for the training camp next week and the All Blacks' tournament start against Italy in three weeks.
He lauded the prop's perseverance, tenacity and desire - qualities which would be needed throughout the sixth World Cup.
Henry thought most of the squad would be involved in a match against the Barbarians planned for next week in Auckland. Tialata has resumed training after his concussion while halfback Andy Ellis is waiting to recover fully from similar symptoms.
Others who missed the last match in Christchurch because of injury - Ali Williams, Reuben Thorne, Richie McCaw and Keith Robinson - are reported to be making solid progress.
* Meanwhile 30-year-old Waikato loose forward Marty Holah confirmed, once the national provincial championship is over, he will play the next two seasons for the Ospreys club in Wales.
"While it is sad for me to leave Waikato and the Chiefs, it is the right time in my rugby career to make such a move. Playing overseas presents me with a new challenge - it is one that I'm looking forward to," said Holah.
The flanker played 36 tests for the All Blacks since 2001 and was co-captain this season of the Junior All Blacks. He played 81 games for the Chiefs and has appeared in 65 matches for Waikato.
