No 9 who waits to be No 1

Byron Kelleher

If Byron Kelleher shares his longtime halfback rival Justin Marshall's view of the rotation system in the All Blacks he won't say so.

When he learned he was on the bench for tonight's second test against the Lions, Marshall was displeased.

The competitive juices were in full flow. Accepting but unimpressed might best sum it up.

Kelleher, for so long Marshall's understudy and whose 34 tests since 1999 include 19 appearances off the bench, knows the score, and knows he'll get first dibs once the Lions series is over and Marshall heads to England.

"There's good talent coming through, but I'd like to be part of the 2007 World Cup and contribute to the growing of the All Blacks and rugby in New Zealand," he said.

He knows up-and-comers such as Piri Weepu and Jimmy Cowan will be eyeing his No 9 shirt, "but as I keep getting told throughout my whole career it's all about experience".

Point taken. But it has been a vigorous battle for Marshall and Kelleher over several years. Neither would admit they are bosom buddies but there is professional respect.

The pair were told in advance they would be sharing time during the Lions series, but without getting any specifics, so when he was told there would be changes to a winning team, Kelleher was not surprised.

"I do what's best for the All Blacks, not what is best for Byron Kelleher. I'll back whoever is in the position."

Kelleher, in full diplomatic mode, said Marshall had been "pretty supportive" this week, insists he was the same last week, the argument being that they are competing against the Lions not each other once the team is named. "And I definitely think competition and competitiveness keeps people on edge. That's healthy for New Zealand rugby."

Kelleher is on his fourth All Black coaching setup, after starting under John Hart, then going through Wayne Smith and John Mitchell before entering the Graham Henry era.

In an era where people are always banging on about bringing different elements to the team collective, Kelleher reckons he offers personality, enthusiasm and passion for the job.

"I'm proud to be a New Zealander, proud to represent my country.

"Ever since I was a tiny little fellow throwing a ball round I always wanted to be an All Black. I remember being at school telling everyone I was going to be an All Black, and them laughing at me.

"I just want to make sure I live the day and the age, and contribute to the All Blacks so we can stay at the top of the world."

Kelleher believes that in these days of planning and strategising the All Blacks retain the desire to play instinctive rugby, rather than a patterned form drawn up on a board. And it's ever been that way.

The really interesting thing from the halfbacks' perspective will be if the Lions somehow manage to win tonight. Then the rotation will go out the window and the question will be: who is the better No 9 in the crunch?

BYRON KELLEHER

Born: December 3, 1976, Dunedin

Height: 1.75m

Weight: 94kg

Position: Halfback

Test debut: v Samoa, June 1999

Tests:34

Province: Waikato