Rugby: Marshall sees Lions as perfect All Blacks swansong

Justin Marshall's form will be crucial to his chances of playing against the Lions. Picture / Brett Phibbs

All Black coach Graham Henry rates Justin Marshall alongside the greats of the modern era but says he still faces a fight to win the halfback spot against the Lions.

Henry last night gave assurances that the 31-year-old Marshall, the most capped All Black back, was still in the frame despite his decision to quit New Zealand after the Lions tour. Marshall will join struggling English club Leeds on a two-year contract, in time for their 2005-06 season.

The All Black boss listed Marshall alongside Sean Fitzpatrick, Zinzan Brooke, Michael Jones and Tana Umaga as recent greats.

"Great is an easy word to use but I think in his case it is applicable," said Henry, who highlighted Marshall's leadership, dedication and competitiveness.

But he said that Marshall, who was controversially left out of the Northern Hemisphere tour last year, was in a queue of test halfback prospects.

On Marshall's passing and suitability to the current All Black style, Henry said all players were deemed to have deficiencies and he would leave such public judgments to others. This hardly amounted to a storming promotion of Marshall's credentials. Then again, selectors often speak in this way to avoid getting into debates about player merits.

When asked about criticism of Marshall's game, Henry - who met the press at a rain-drenched Eden Park - replied "What criticism?"

So Marshall's prospects are about as clear as the Auckland weather, which is how selectors like to keep it, especially so early in the season.

Marshall was unhappy at being left out of last year's tour so that other players could be developed in his position, but Henry did not believe this persuaded him to head overseas. Marshall was silent yesterday, completing a family holiday before talking to the press today.

" ... I have great pride in our country and my province Canterbury, for what we have achieved on the international arena. I will miss my many friendships with team-mates in various teams but know they will long continue in my life," Marshall said in an NZRFU statement.

"Leeds will present new challenges. It's exciting to have the opportunity to set new goals ... Nicolle and I are looking forward to travelling with our young family, it's an opportunity to step out of the comfort zone and enjoy new experiences together."

The NZRFU intended announcing Marshall's decision yesterday but brought that forward to late Thursday night as word leaked out from England.

Marshall's NZRFU contract, due to end this year, included a clause allowing him to depart after the Lions tour.

Marshall kept Henry up to date and the coach said while it was disappointing to lose a class player, he and the NZRFU supported Marshall's move for financial and lifestyle reasons after his dedicated service.

"He hasn't got a long time left in the game I wouldn't have thought. I think it's a good decision for him and his family," said Henry.

"It hasn't harmed his chances [of selection against the Lions] at all. I think he's been a phenomenal player on and off the field.

"He's highly respected around the world ... whether he is still a world class player in the next few months, we'll find that out.

"If he's good enough he'll get in the side ... obviously form in the Super 12 is paramount and there are a number of halfbacks now.

"Byron Kelleher had a superb tour ... the three guys on the northern hemisphere tour all played very well. There's Justin, Steve Devine is coming back, and there are others as well.

"The two youngsters on tour [Piri Weepu, Jimmy Cowan] have to start some time, and maybe their chance will be against the Lions. Who knows?"

One thing is for sure - the super-competitive Marshall will not want to depart on a low note. With a decent summer break and knowing his future is arranged, he will have a perfect platform from which to hit top form as the Crusaders seek their fifth Super 12 title in 10 seasons.

His Canterbury coach Aussie McLean said Marshall had a "work ethic beyond belief" and his game would not be affected by his impending move.

"I suspect that if Graham Henry was picking his team to play the Lions right now, Justin would still be in the number nine jersey," McLean said.

"I don't think missing the tour played any part in his decision to go overseas. I understand he was considering going earlier, but stayed on because of the Lions."

* Henry hinted that the selectors are not confident of injured Chiefs lock Keith Robinson playing against the Lions. Henry said it was vital that Robinson not rush a comeback from back surgery.

JUSTIN MARSHALL

* Age: 31
* Tests: 77 (57W/1D/19L)
* Test debut: 1995
* Ranking: 3rd most capped All Black behind Sean Fitzpatrick (92) and Ian Jones (79)
* Tries: 24