KEY POINTS:
Winger Doug Howlett approached one of the most prized rugby records in the match against Canada last night - the title of the most prolific try-scorer in All Black history when he scored another try.
Howlett has now scored 43 test tries, three short of the record held by former fullback Christian Cullen. Between them, on 44 tries, is former winger Jeff Wilson, although Joe Rokocoko looms large with 37 tries - the same as Jonah Lomu.
Four tries is what the last All Black to start on the right wing against Canada achieved - Mils Muliaina at Melbourne in 2003 - but Howlett managed just one.
Starting his first test in nine months, Howlett said he had started the game more interested in finding his feet than in adding to his try tally but the title of leading tryscorer for the All Blacks is not one to be worn lightly.
After missing November's tour to Europe because of injury, Howlett's last test start was the loss to South Africa in Rustenburg in September. He will not get to make amends because he is unavailable for New Zealand's Tri-Nations opener in Durban next week, opting to be with fiancee, Monique, who is expecting their first baby.
He admits the battle for wing berths is more intense than ever. After enjoying a good-quality Super 14 with the Blues, Howlett has watched Fijian-born cousins Sitiveni Sivivatu and Joe Rokocoko start this month's two French tests in style. Just to spice things up, Rico Gear joined the squad this week in place of Ma'a Nonu.
"Competition for places is a big one, there's no guarantee until later in the year so every opportunity you try to make the most of," Howlett said. "There's a lot of competition. You're always trying to come up with something new that the other guys don't have and we're always pushing each other."
Howlett said Rokocoko's form on the right wing had set a high standard. "There's a lot at stake at the moment and maybe he's responding to that pressure quite well."
