All Blacks: Latimer delighted to receive call-up

Tanerau Latimer says the chance to work with Richie McCaw will make up for his likely omission from the starting team. Photo / Getty Images

Tanerau Latimer's All Black apprenticeship has been given another extension and the Bay of Plenty flanker doesn't intend squandering the opportunity.

The three-test veteran held off a strong challenge from Canterbury openside George Whitelock, winning the backup role to returning skipper Richie McCaw for the Tri-Nations series beginning in a fortnight.

The 23-year-old admits he was waiting slightly anxiously for the text to come through on Saturday morning letting him know he was back in black after two tests against the French and a 50-minute effort against Italy.

"It was still pretty nerve-racking because there could have been any number of loosies they could have gone with - I'm very happy to be in the squad again," Latimer said.

A month of Test-match exertion took its toll. Latimer has spent the past week holed up ill, after living in a constant state of excitement, high energy and anticipation. But at least now he knows what it takes to survive at the highest level.

"You start to get comfortable at that level when you know your role and the All Blacks are big on doing your homework.

"If you know your job from Monday to Thursday, then Friday you can chill out and get ready for the game on Saturday. All that work you've put in during the week comes back to you during the game.

"You'd never be able to match the intensity of Test-match level and parts were extremely tough and physical but it's been awesome and I've learned so much already," the loose forward said.

Latimer also knows that, with McCaw back, he's highly unlikely to get a start against Australia or South Africa but the chance to work closely with his former Crusaders teammate more than makes up for it.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES