KEY POINTS:
Tanerau Latimer took his All Black non-selection with typically good grace on Sunday but the Steamers captain admits his late-season form probably didn't do him any favours.
All Black coach Graham Henry opted for Taranaki flanker Scott Waldrom ahead of Latimer in the 35-man squad for the end of year tour, although he admitted the Bay of Plenty No 7 was one of the unluckiest in the country.
Henry suggested Latimer looked tired in the latter rounds of the Air New Zealand Cup, something the Steamers player couldn't argue with.
"He said that at the All Black training camp last week and it's probably a fair comment - I was feeling a bit tired and my performances dropped a bit during the last part of the season," Latimer said.
"I'm still trying to get used to playing full seasons of Super 14 and Air New Zealand Cup. It's all a learning curve though and looking at the bright side, I'm right in the mix and I'm probably only an injury away from being in there."
Latimer had no prior warning of his omission, and had to find out with the rest of the New Zealand public. He hasn't heard from selectors but shrugged that off, looking forward to taking all of November off before Super 14 training begins.
Waldrom was one of the few surprises in the squad among the seven new caps, with Henry admitting it was a tough call to take the 28-year-old over his 22-year-old Bay of Plenty rival.
"One guy came through very strongly in the last month and the other guy faded away a bit," Henry said.
Waldrom will be a backup for captain Richie McCaw and could surprise international opponents with his pace.
The All Black coach also cited Wellington lock Jeremy Thrush and Canterbury second five- eighth Tim Bateman among those closest to earning a plane ticket.
The seven newcomers had all had strong Super 14 seasons, with the just- completed provincial championship a chance to prove they hadn't let their standards slip.
The rookies are Wellington outside backs Cory Jane and Hosea Gear, three loose forwards in Taranaki's Scott Waldrom, Cantabrian Kieran Read and Waikato's Liam Messam and two props - Jamie Mackintosh of Southland and Ben Franks of Tasman.
It is unlikely Henry, Hansen and backs coach Wayne Smith will venture far from the side who secured the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations in Brisbane six weeks ago when they name their team after arriving in Hong Kong today.
The All Blacks play Australia there this weekend.
- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES
