Disappointment at Ormond's non-selection

1.00pm

It might have been the year the underdog discovered its bite but, as Bay of Plenty rugby captain Wayne Ormond found out yesterday, being a popular choice for the All Blacks means nothing in the eyes of the selectors.

Ormond played with rare passion and intensity, leading the Steamers to the NPC division one playoffs for the first time, but was overlooked as the All Blacks selectors pushed yesterday for Jerry Collins and Auckland rookie Jerome Kaino for next month's tour to Europe.

Ormond was yesterday philosophical about missing out on the All Blacks after such a top season, saying he never thought he was seriously in the reckoning.

"There was lots of talk around and it was great to see the support but I never got my hopes up at all. It wasn't a major disappointment for me (to miss out)," he said.

"If anything, the disappointment's more that I thought maybe one of the guys from Bay of Plenty might get picked after such a good season.

"I might be off the mark here but while there's been plenty of talk about the Bay this season, I think maybe people haven't given us the respect we've deserved.

"That's life though and hopefully we'll earn that in time."

Steamers coach Vern Cotter believed Ormond and first five-eighth Glen Jackson, who left yesterday for London and a contract with glamour club side Saracens, would have been "worthy" All Blacks candidates.

"I'm disappointed for the Bay guys who missed out ... the players who put in strong NPC performances and who now won't get the rewards for it."

Cotter felt there was an opportunity within the All Blacks squad for a specialist first-five like Jackson.

"Jacko has had a number of years as a New Zealand Maori player and so too has Wayne. They've both been strong performers at Super 12 when given the opportunity.

"Wayne offered a strong ball carrying ability, is more evasive around the field than Jerry Collins as well as being better defensively and a better lineout option than Collins.

"It disappoints me the selectors haven't given themselves an opportunity to see where Wayne Ormond could fit in to the All Blacks setup. They're looking for leadership and Wayne has more than proved his leadership capabilities."

Jackson was told last week he was in the final 17 backline players being narrowed to 14 for the tour, although Henry yesterday hinted at concerns with the 29-year-old's consistency.

Cotter felt props Ben Castle and Simms Davison, rated outside chances to make the northern tour, were still in the frame.

"They're both reasonably young. Although the (All Blacks') tighthead side is covered reasonably strongly, people will be keeping a close eye on Ben.

"Simms has had a difficult year with injury but still managed (in the semifinal) against Canterbury to put Greg Somerville under considerable difficulty, more so than Joe McDonnell did in the NPC final.

"Picking Saimone Taumoepeau is an interesting call. He hasn't played any Super 12 and only played a couple of times in NPC -- the selectors have taken a gamble when they could have just as easily taken that gamble on Simms."

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES

All Blacks schedule and scoreboard
Squad


*