RUGBY - Northland coach tips Ranger for end of year AB tour

Northland coach Bryce Woodward thinks Rene Ranger could make the All Blacks end-of-year tour if his form for the Blues continues.
Ranger's form has impressed Woodward and other rugby officials this season, and his recovery from eye socket damage has been rewarded with a starting spot in tonight's game against the Cheetahs at Eden Park.
Woodward said like the Blues, Ranger has had mixed form this year but he was certain to keep improving. "I think Rene went okay in the first game and he was outstanding in the second game ... it was sad to see him get injured, but I can see him in contention for the All Blacks end-of-season tour if he keeps working hard."
Woodward said Ranger was a "laid back, Northland boy" who turned a corner several years ago with his rugby goals.
"He decided he was going to give rugby a decent shot and threw himself into training. Of course the Blues is another step up but he's shown he can handle professional rugby."
Woodward said Ranger was a bit like former Northlander and All Black Norm Berryman in that he was a real character who had the ability to inspire younger players.
Blues and Northland stalwart Justin Collins, right, has also continued to impress Woodward, with his versatility and solid form, particularly in his recent 100th Super rugby game.
Collins returns to the starting line-up tonight at openside flanker, and the 34-year-old had joked to Woodward that Blues selectors were "trying to kill me".
Northlanders Bronson Murray and Jared Payne were contracted to the Crusaders and Canterbury rugby but would return to Northland this Air New Zealand Cup on a loan agreement.
"Bronson's been doing well and getting reasonable game time, and Jared's been doing well when he's there. I'm hoping his ankle is going to be okay but he's shown that he's a class act," Woodward said.
The Blues' Super 14 team to play the Cheetahs at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland tonight: Isaia Toeava, Rene Ranger, Anthony Tuitavake, Michael Hobbs, Joe Rokocoko, Jimmy Gopperth, Taniela Moa, Jerome Kaino, Justin Collins, Chris Lowrey, Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.
Reserves - Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Jay Williams, Onosa'i Auva'a, Chris Smylie, Jamie Helleur, Winston Stanley.
The Blues' team to play their Super 14 rugby match against the Cheetahs at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland tonight is:
Isaia Toeava, Rene Ranger, Anthony Tuitavake, Michael Hobbs, Joe Rokocoko, Jimmy Gopperth, Taniela Moa, Jerome Kaino, Justin Collins, Chris Lowrey, Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.
Reserves - Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Jay Williams, Onosa'i Auva'a, Chris Smylie, Jamie Helleur, Winston Stanley.