Rugby: Bourke not holding breath

Colin Bourke. Photo / APN

Colin Bourke will be watching with interest but not much hope when the All Blacks team is named tonight.

The Bay of Plenty captain has been touted as an outside contender for the northern hemisphere tour but the No 8 is not overly optimistic.

"I think my chances are slim to none," he said. "They have tested a few guys at that level and I don't see why they wouldn't persevere with them. I'll watch with interest but I won't hold my breath."

The powerful 26-year-old has been a consistent performer for the Steamers this year but says he is realistic about the chances of higher honours.

"It would be pretty special and it was always my father's dream for me to be an All Black. I don't see myself as an All Black; I'm a provincial player who is passionate about the blue and gold, and Super 14 is a bonus for me."

Bourke was the standout figure in the 33-22 win over Southland yesterday but in his modest manner refused to take much of the credit.

"All I feel is the boys going forward," he said. "If I did look good it is down to the boys with the low numbers on their backs".

Steamers coach Sean Horan was disappointed with his team's late lapse but was satisfied with the display.

"We have to learn to stay in the fight for 80 minutes," he said. "We can be finalists if we want to - and turn up with the right attitude.

Horan has no doubt that his skipper is ready for the international step up.

"He brings something different that no other No 8 has in this country," he said. "He is ready for that level and his skill set is amazing."