Waikato legend amazed by Holah's omission

Marty Holah

Former Waikato flanker Duane Monkley is amazed by Marty Holah's axing from the All Blacks rugby touring squad and believes there is daylight between Holah and his replacement.

Holah, a veteran of 34 tests, was the shock omission from the 35-strong squad named for the four-test tour to Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland.

The 29-year-old missed out to Taranaki loose forward Chris Masoe, picked for his greater versatility - a decision which Monkley, who is the Chiefs and Waikato assistant coach, found hard to believe.

"I can't see how Marty wasn't selected on form," Monkley said.

"My feeling is he's played as well as he ever has [this season] in all the years he's played for the All Blacks."

Monkley said the All Blacks could be found out if first-choice opensider Richie McCaw was injured, because Masoe was not up to the high standard of Holah or McCaw.

"I have never really been a Masoe fan. I find it hard to understand. I know he has had a great season and has added more to his game but there's daylight between Marty and Chris Masoe as a No 7."

There were indications earlier in the season that Holah was on the outer.

He was not picked for the bench against the Lions, despite being a standout in the New Zealand Maori win over the touring team.

That prompted Holah to consider moving overseas after receiving a host of British offers following his impressive display for the Maori.

However, he was called back for the Tri-Nations, which persuaded him to re-sign with the New Zealand Rugby Union until after the 2007 World Cup.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster wouldn't be interviewed on Holah's omission but, in a statement, said he was "gutted on Marty's behalf".

"Obviously the selectors have decided to go for players who can play a number of positions rather than have a second world-class No 7."

Coach Graham Henry said it was a tough decision but he left open the possibility that Holah may be recalled if the experiment with Masoe didn't come off.

"He's [Holah] a quality player and that hasn't changed," he said when the squad was named.

"We're just looking at a different skill set there and Masoe gives us that. We haven't made a final decision whether that's the right decision, but at least we've got to try it."

The news was better for Waikato's three other All Blacks, with Byron Kelleher, Sitiveni Sivavatu and Sione Lauaki all picked for the tour. Jono Gibbes was not available because of injury.

- NZPA