Henry the last person I thought I'd hear from, says Thorne

Recalled former All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne says a phone call from coach Graham Henry in Argentina over the weekend was a "huge surprise".

"He was the last person I expected to hear from," the Canterbury and Crusaders stalwart said yesterday.

Thorne was the surprise selection in a 30-man squad named yesterday for the opening three tests of the Tri-Nations series.

A month ago he was named Junior All Blacks captain, but opted to pull out for "recovery and reconditioning" after a long Super 14 campaign during which he featured in every match for the champion Crusaders side.

When Henry named his expanded squad for the Ireland and Argentina tests, he said Thorne remained in the All Blacks frame. Yesterday, he said his selection as a blindside flanker was warranted.

But Thorne said yesterday he'd felt he had little chance of a recall.

"I guess you always hold out a bit of hope, but there wasn't much hope left really."

After a five-week break from the intensity of Super 14 rugby, Thorne said he was well-rested.

"I've had a good break and I've been able to get some good gym time and good training time as well. I've played a little bit of club rugby, so I'm feeling pretty good."

He said he was preparing for the NPC and focusing on that when he took the call from Henry. It was great to be welcomed back into the All Blacks fold.

"I'm stoked and still trying to get to grips with it, but it's fantastic news ... and I'm very, very happy," he said.

Thorne said he believed his decision to opt out of the Junior All Blacks had paid off "physically and mentally".

Asked how he would approach the All Blacks this time, he said he would do what he could for the team "to help them be successful and try to contribute as much as I can with the experience I have and just get involved as much as possible".

The 31-year-old played the last of his 41 tests in the playoff for third at the 2003 World Cup.

That game was also his 22nd test as All Blacks skipper.

Henry said Thorne had won back his spot on his form in the Super 14 where he had "played to a very high standard".

"We haven't found anybody who played better than him in the three international fixtures we've had," Henry said.

Thorne said he was pleased to be named as a blindside flanker, but was more than happy to cover lock, where he has played.

"Obviously blindside is my preference, so it's great," he said.

Thorne said he had yet to have a detailed talk to Henry because the weekend phone call was brief and "wasn't that clear".

"So I'll catch up with him this week and have a good chat about it."

He said he'd had a lot of texts and phone calls from his Crusaders teammates who were "all pretty happy".

While elated at his reselection, Thorne said he felt for Crusaders centre Casey Laulala and No 8 Mose Tuiali'i, who were omitted.

"It's always sad to see players miss out," he said.

"I'm sure they'll be disappointed and probably even more determined now to have a good crack at the NPC."

- NZPA