All Blacks: Ellison hopes to break centre hoodoo

New All Black Tamati Ellison. Photo / Getty Images

Loyalty has paid off for provincial rugby's Mr Utility, Tamati Ellison, the latest to be handed a crack at the cursed All Black centre position.

After several seasons of hopping about the Wellington and Hurricanes backlines, uncapped Ellison appears guaranteed of test rugby on the All Blacks' tour of Japan and Europe.

Ellison sneaked through the gap left by injured centre options Richard Kahui and Isaia Toeava, confirmed yesterday as the squad's backup No 13 to provincial teammate Conrad Smith, who is battling hamstring niggles.

It was more relief than jubilation when the 26-year-old received a text last night advising of his inclusion.

After leaking the news to baby son Vini - "he kept it quiet" - Ellison spoke yesterday of his pleasure that he would be considered in his favoured spot.

"I've played everywhere but centre's probably my preferred position, so that'll be great," he said.

"I enjoy it, there's a bit more space and it's a bit further out than 10."

New Zealand rugby's centre hex struck Ellison when he suffered a freak calf injury while watching at Wellington training nearly two months ago.

He had been a fringe member of the All Blacks' Tri-Nations squad, andwas fearful that his tour chances had faded after returning to the field atnot quite 100 per cent last week.

"I had to try and play like I was confident. If I didn't I probably wouldn't be here.

"In a week or so I'll probably be as sharp as I could be."

Ellison has received multiple offers to shift to other Super 14 franchises but has opted to stay put despite the backline riches in the capital.

All Black duo Ma'a Nonu and Smith lock down the midfield when fit, this year forcing Ellison on to the Hurricanes wing.

"Maybe if we'd won one [Super 14 or Air NZ Cup title] here I may have gone," Ellison said.

"But you've got to be loyal to something and I'm loyal to Wellington and trying to win something here and leave a legacy for other people to come and build on."

Ellison looks forward to working with Smith, stressing there would be no sense of rivalry for the centre berth.

Teammates in the New Zealand under-21 team five years ago, Ellison had developed a healthy respect for his 29-test teammate, whom he described as balanced on and off the field.

"He's been a big influence on my career. I don't know if there's a rivalry. We're more co-operative than anything - he just plays more games."

Being away from Vini would be the hardest part of touring. "He's my apple, but that's rugby," Ellison said. "I think he'll understand."

- NZPA