Ranger gutted after being dropped

Rene Ranger took his omission from the All Blacks on the chin yesterday, saying he would work harder to regain his place in the national squad and fulfil his ambition to play in next year's World Cup.
The outside back was a shock omission from the 30-man squad named last night for the end of year rugby tour to Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Four wingers were named in the side with Hosea Gear the surprise announcement. He joins two other specialist wingers in the side in Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu, who is returning from a long injury break. Utility back Cory Jane, who has played well on the wing during the Tri-Nations campaign, was also included in the side.
Ranger took care to use his most diplomatic language when describing his reaction to the news after heard from Graham Henry in the morning.
"I was very surprised actually and really gutted ... but what doesn't break you makes you stronger and that's the attitude I'm taking to the news," he said.
Once he got over the surprise, he realised he hadn't really pressed Henry on the reasons why he had been left out.
"Ted [Henry] told me they had decided to take three specialist wingers on tour, which surprised me a bit because I'm a specialist winger that can cover centre, but that's the only reason I got really," he said.
Henry also urged him not to dwell too much on not making the tour.
"He said I hadn't done anything wrong and that I had heaps of talent and I was right up there but I might have to call Wayne Smith to get a clearer understanding of why I didn't make it," he said.
Northland coach Bryce Woodward said he was very disappointed for the Wellsford winger.
"But I can understand them wanting to bring Sitiveni Sivivatu back ... but to be fair to Rene, he's not 100 per cent fit at the moment and while he was talking about playing last week the truth be told he wasn't really ready, but we hope he'll play some part in this Thursday's game but he may not be fit enough to start - we'll have to wait and see," Woodward said.
But Ranger didn't think his hamstring injury, that has ruled him out of the last three Northland games, was an issue with the selectors.
"I went to see the All Black medical staff on Thursday and they were really pleased with the way my hamstring had mended and they gave me the impression I was going on the tour - so I don't really think that injury had anything to do with it," he said.
Ranger said there was a good chance that he would be taking the field in Northland's final match against Bay of Plenty on Thursday, even if it was unlikely he would play the full match.
"It's going to be a good game - we're planning to finish the season strongly," he said.