Omission of Holah astonishes rugby fans

Marty Holah

It was a bad morning for Waikato rugby fans yesterday as they woke from a huge night in Hamilton to hear that a favourite son had failed to make the All Blacks squad to face the Lions.

The omission of flanker Marty Holah, one of the stars in the New Zealand Maori 19-13 victory over the Lions at Waikato Stadium on Saturday night, astonished and appalled local fans and former players.

Defending the decision, coach Graham Henry said the selectors couldn't afford the luxury of a second openside flanker behind the world-class Richie McCaw.

In statements sure to antagonise local fans even more, All Blacks' assistant coach Wayne Smith said the squad was all but decided before Saturday night's game.

"It was only one opportunity out of a season of opportunities, really," Smith said.

Former All Black and NZ Maori hooker Norm Hewitt said Henry and his selectors had contradicted themselves in saying Saturday night's Lions game was the final chance for players to prove themselves to gain a spot in the squad.

"He [Holah] was a pivotal key to the success of the Maori. He showed his ability at the breakdown.

"I believe the All Blacks need two. They talked about them using the game to put themselves forward for the All Blacks. He did that, but still he gets left out."

Hewitt said Holah and McCaw were the best openside flankers around, but leaving Holah out left the All Blacks wanting if anything happened to McCaw.

"Common sense hasn't prevailed. They have one specialist openside flanker who has had numerous bangs to the head and concussions. You want someone in the squad who can step up if something happens."

 

One of Waikato rugby's most fervent fans, Warren "Possum" Allen, said he was devastated to hear Holah had not made the line-up. "It's very strange."

Hamilton Mayor Michael Redman said not only Waikato supporters but fans throughout the country would be outraged.

"Today the two players people are talking about are Marty Holah and Jono Gibbes."

Gibbes, who led the Maori side, made the All Blacks squad.