Marshall still fancies his chances

Justin Marshall

Halfback Justin Marshall rates himself a strong chance of starting the Lions series and has not discounted a crack at the 2007 World Cup.

Marshall and Byron Kelleher have resumed their test duel after intimations the selectors' decision to rest Marshall for last year's tour to Europe would continue into the Lions series.

Both halfbacks were at their marketing best this week, delivering thoughts about the quality of their rugby this season as an entree to the test schedule.

Kelleher gets the first chance tomorrow against Fiji where he resumes a partnership with Daniel Carter, one which has been dormant since the wondrous test last November against France.

"I enjoy it, Daniel is a great talent, he's got great skills.

"I just concentrate on getting the ball to him as quickly as I can," Kelleher said. "That's something strong in my game - the ball delivery, and making sure I keep my forwards honest by getting the ball clear."

Hovering nearby is Marshall, who needs three more tests to surge past Ian Jones and into second place behind Sean Fitzpatrick in the All Black appearance list.

The 31-year-old Marshall, who was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit this week, is taking up a contract with Leeds in August.

He does not want his All Black career to taper off into that new direction - he wants to depart as the victorious All Black test halfback against the Lions.

Asked if he thought the first test on his Christchurch patch would give him an inside selection trail, Marshall thought it would have to be factored in.

"It is an environment I am really comfortable with, there will be a huge amount of support there, nor any lack of motivation or determination on my part," he said.

The experienced halfback claimed his departure for Leeds did not signal an end to his All Black aspirations.

"The way I am feeling now, the 2007 World Cup could be in my sights," he said.

"I have had only two real disappointments at two World Cups [1999 and 2003] where I did not play in one semifinal and was taken out of another, and we lost both.

"I have done well with my contract over in Leeds where I get three months off at the end of the season."

Marshall said he had not spoken to All Black coach Graham Henry about his future, but wondered if the Leeds contract might be just an international interlude.

"When you have been there your game does not slide. Leon MacDonald is a classic example. He went to Japan where the rugby was supposed to be crap, but look how he has come back."

Marshall was not advocating All Blacks should be picked from overseas.