Kahui's pain may yet be our Ranger's gain

DEAR Richard Kahui's shoulder,

Thank you. Thank you for breaking once again - I'm sure Rene Ranger will buy you a beer at some point in your recovery.

Why, you ask? Because now, thanks to you, Ranger's chances of making the All Blacks have increased significantly.

Don't get me wrong, I like you. But, I like Ranger just a tiny bit more - and, plus he's a proud Northlander like myself.

I know it may seem unfair to be celebrating one's misfortune, but, it's Rene Ranger we're talking about here. He's a good dude. If he was to become an All Black again it'd mean a lot to sport in our region. I mean, it's not all that often we have All Blacks come from our area while still playing club rugby up here when possible.

I think it would be safe to say that you, Richard, would have been ahead of Ranger in the queue if it was not for your troublesome shoulder.

Despite you and Ranger being in form, I think Conrad and Ben Smith are first in line for All Black call-ups, in my view.

Having said that, though, the All Blacks do now have a dependency to have someone like Sonny Bill Williams in the side.

While SBW is off chasing the dollar that New Zealand can't offer him, his much smaller, yet as freakishly talented, cousin might be waiting in the wings to fulfil Williams' spot. Knowing that you're not the man to talk to All Black coaches, Richard, I don't suppose you're wanting to change that tune by any chance?

If you're able to give Mr Hansen a call and push Ranger's case I, with most of Northland, would be appreciative.

I hope you're able to fulfil your contractual requirements in Japan, as I'm sure your bank account may need it after spending so much time on the sidelines in recent years.

It can't be easy after four major reconstructions in the last six years - two on each shoulder.

Anyhow, I hope your recovery goes well and fits with your new club.

Thank you for your time, and injury.

Yours in sport,

Cameron James Leslie MNZM

Northern Advocate sports editor