Rugby: Ellis to be back in black jersey

Andy Ellis. Photo / Geoff Sloan

New Zealand derbies are a highlight on any player's calendar but Andy Ellis has particular reason to relish the next few weeks.

Beginning with the Highlanders tomorrow night, the Crusaders face Kiwi opposition for four games in a row, an important period for the veteran halfback.

Ellis makes no secret of his desire to once again pull on the black jersey and, throughout the rest of the month, he will have the chance to test himself against those in the All Black frame.

First, it's incumbent Aaron Smith at AMI Stadium tomorrow, before the Chiefs and two-test halfback Augustine Pulu come to town, followed by a visit to TJ Perenara and the Hurricanes.

The encounters will be crucial on a team level, considering the congested nature of the New Zealand conference, and the individual battles may be equally pivotal.

"I love playing all the New Zealand teams," Ellis said. "There's always a real edge in it - a lot of the guys know each other and there's just a really good rivalry that's built up over the years. They're probably the ones that hurt the most when you don't put in a good performance."

A good performance will be imperative for both personal pride and higher aspirations. It's still early in the season but Ellis is seen as a strong chance to secure one of three halfback spots in the All Blacks' World Cup squad, with experience and a cool head working in the 31-year-old's favour.

After all, Ellis is the only player in the picture with prior knowledge of the World Cup pressure cauldron, part of both the 2007 and 2011 teams. And just as in the triumphant final four years ago, when he was the last man with the ball in his hands, Ellis again appeals as a safe option off the bench late in games.

"There's no doubt about it, I'd love to be in the black jersey again," he said. "But it's been a few years since I had it, so I've just learned to really enjoy what I do with the Crusaders and with Canterbury and the wee stint I had in Japan.

"I've kind of just relaxed - I enjoy going to work and working on my game and doing all those little things. I would love to play for the All Blacks again but I'll just let that take care of itself."

His stint in Japan, playing nine games with Kobe, saw Ellis arrive late in Crusaders camp and ease his way into the Super Rugby season, starting the last four games. Ellis was instrumental in the Crusaders' 52-10 crushing of the Sharks last weekend, a performance he called his side's best, and he was pleased with his personal form.

"I'm feeling really good. The team's going pretty well, the set piece is going good, the boys are carrying well - that all helps a nine. I'm loving being back and still feeling really fresh."