Tonight's the night for Reihana

By CHRIS RATTUE

The rumour mill says this: Bruce Reihana, ace wing and sometimes fullback for Waikato and the Chiefs, will leave New Zealand rugby at the end of this year for the money of Europe.

He may be only 26, and must be in the frame for the All Blacks, but Reihana will leave, so the "sources" say. And those sources - which we can't reveal - are often right.

All Blacks are rich and famous, by our standards. Those just below them are slightly famous, and ironically can probably earn more than their test mates by hopping on a plane to places that are impossible to spell.

This is the way of New Zealand rugby at the moment, and probably for ever. And Reihana, who will line up in his 11th match for the Maori against the Barbarians at Albany tonight, doesn't exactly grind the rumour mill to a halt.

After ploughing through the mud at training, he emerges from a room at the Maori team's base at Takapuna and reveals about as much as anybody reveals in New Zealand rugby these days.

"If you're not going to play for the All Blacks this year it's hard to see yourself getting selected next year for the World Cup," says the two-test back.

"Your time as a professional rugby player is short. In the end you've got to look after yourself and your family."

These are selected quotes. Reihana also throws in that he only wants to play his part in the Maori team's final match of the season at North Harbour Stadium tonight, and do his best at all levels. He talks eagerly about getting back in camp with the Waikato NPC team next week.

And there is a smorgasbord of opportunities for him, such as they are. They include playing club rugby, training like a whippet for the national sevens side for the Commonwealth Games, and hoping for a shot at the Holy Grail - a test call-up.

And All Blacks coach John Mitchell has stated that the match against the Barbarians will count when the selectors consider their squad for the Tri Nations.

But, it is fair to suggest, Reihana will need more than words to persuade him to stay in New Zealand rugby, especially when he sees the armchair ride given to Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen into the All Blacks squad.

Reihana's Waikato and NZRU contracts end this season, and the agents know this. Players of his ability in this position face a field of high-priced carrots dangled in front of their noses.

So tonight means everything for a player such as Reihana. It's the last-chance saloon for an outsider trying to regain his All Blacks place.

Working out in a Christchurch gymnasium can give you a better chance of All Blacks selection these days than doing your stuff on a rugby field, especially with unfashionable sides such as Waikato and the Chiefs.

And going to Europe can bring rewards way beyond the temptation of All Blacks favour. What would you choose? And what do you think Bruce Reihana will choose?

* Maori loose forward Jonno Gibbes (groin strain) has been ruled out of tonight's match, meaning Matua Parkinson returns to the starting lineup.

New Zealand Maori: Willie Walker, Rico Gear, Ryan Nicholas, Mark Mayerhofler, Bruce Reihana, Carlos Spencer, Rhys Duggan; Deon Muir (capt), Matua Parkinson, Blair Urlich, Bryce Williams, Kristian Ormsby, Carl Hayman, Slade McFarland, Greg Feek. Res: Roger Randle, Joe Maddock, Riki Flutey; Reece Robinson, Steve Jackson, Deacon Manu, Shane Carter.

New Zealand Barbarians: Ben Blair, Tana Umaga, Nathan Mauger, Paul Steinmetz, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, James Arlidge, Danny Lee; Sam Broomhall, Sam Harding, Taine Randell (capt), Peter Bowden, Vula Maimuri, Kees Meeuws, Andrew Hore, Carl Hoeft. Res: Nick Evans, Mark Ranby, Mark Robinson; Chris Masoe, Luke Andrews, Mike Storey, Joe Ward.

Kickoff: 8.05pm. Referee: Kelvin Deaker.