Rugby: Brothers Bachop may serve Samoa together

Graeme Bachop, an outstanding performer for the All Blacks in the 1991 and 1995 World Cups, could be part of Samoa's side for this year's rugby tournament.

Samoa coach Bryan Williams confirmed that Bachop, who with 31 tests between 1989 and 1995 is the All Blacks' most-capped halfback, had made himself available for Samoa.

But Williams emphasised that there were still several conditions to be negotiated before Bachop joined Samoa and possibly formed an inside-back combination with his brother, Stephen.

"He certainly hasn't been given a carte blanche entry," Williams said.

Bachop still needed a clearance from his Japanese company and there should be some assessment of whether he was capable of playing again at top level after nearly four years in Japan and if he fitted into the Samoan team culture.

Williams said his experience was that few players returned from Japan ready to play top rugby. But Bachop had recently undergone a fitness test with Samoa's trainers in Auckland and his results had been more than satisfactory.

"If Graeme could show again the form he displayed when he was last in the All Blacks we'd be rapt," Williams said.

"But having said that, we've rated the halfbacks we've used recently - John Clarke, Joe Filemu and Stephen So'oialo - highly."

Stephen Bachop, who was in the 1991 Samoa World Cup side, returned to the Samoan side last year and had performed well. He is playing in Britain for London Irish and has been in top form.

The Bachops, who played tests together with the All Blacks in 1994, are eligible for Samoa because of a Samoan grandparent and have each had more than three years' absence from New Zealand selection.

Williams said how well Graeme Bachop fitted into the Samoan pattern might be judged in the Pacific Rim tournament which starts on May 23 and which, with tests against the All Blacks and France in June, will be Samoa's main World Cup preparation.

Bachop might also attend a Samoan training camp for New Zealand and Samoa-based players to be held in Auckland early next month.

The 1992 All Black loose forward Richard Turner, who captained North Harbour until 1996, has also indicated his availability for Samoa. But Williams said he would have to prove himself after a period playing in Italy.

Turner also had not attended any of the weekly training sessions Samoan players have been holding in the last few weeks in both Auckland and Wellington. - NZPA