Rugby: Absent Latimer optimistic about prospects

Tanerau Latimer (left) will miss tomorrow's clash with Wellington.

Bay of Plenty's most experienced player Tanerau Latimer is optimistic about the Steamers' chances in Wellington tomorrow even though he is missing through injury, after tweaking a calf muscle at training.

Despite their heavy defeat last game against Canterbury, Latimer says they are not far off putting together a complete performance and he hopes it comes against high-flying Wellington Lions.

"I'd love to say you will see a surprise on Thursday," said Latimer. "We will see how we go in training but it can be done. There is no doubt about it. I like the enthusiasm amongst this group of boys so we will wait and see."

Wellington have a super star trio of loose forwards in Victor Vito, Brad Shields and wonder kid Ardie Savea but Latimer is not worried about them.

"No, I don't think they are the biggest threat for us - ironing out our flaws is. We have issues in and around our structure that are not quite working at the moment that we need to sort out. Our scrum defence where [Canterbury first-five] Bleyendaal went through has been sorted out with our 7 and 10, our short lineouts, and getting some line speed so we tackle them behind the gain line.

"But once we sort them out I tell you this team has the potential to push some teams over. There is massive potential here."

The Steamers have three vital home games to come against fellow strugglers Southland, Counties Manukau and Waikato which will decide their fate in the ITM Premiership.

Latimer agrees but as a key part of the team's leadership group he is focusing on more pressing concerns.

"Those games are vital for us to stay in the Premiership but as I said we have things to figure out here first before we can start talking about those teams."

Latimer missed the opening three rounds of the ITM Cup recuperating after his outstanding Super rugby season where he was the preferred openside flanker for the Chiefs ahead of All Black Sam Cane.

Latimer's Super rugby form was so strong he put himself back in the frame to add to the five tests he played for the All Blacks in 2009.

With injury concerns around Richie McCaw, Latimer is one step closer to achieving that goal with an end-of-year tour spot but he is not giving it too much thought.

"Fossie [Ian Foster] talked to me about it and said I was in the top four so I just have to wait and see if there are any injuries. I'd be happy to put my hand up and go on that tour."