NZ Maori v NZ Barbarians
Whangarei, 4.35pm Saturday
His job description might have changed, but Tanerau Latimer believes he is getting to grips with the new demands of an openside flanker.
Nowhere have the changes to rugby brought about by the new rule interpretations been as profound as for the No 7 jersey.
Where once being first to the breakdown was the measuring stick of the great opensides, that skill has been made redundant by the leeway given to the attacking side to promote the ball in the tackle.
"Graham Henry summed it up well. The role of seven has become almost like the second halfback; you add to the continuity of the game," Latimer said.
"The first person has to let the man play the ball, then you have a right to the ball. The players that are doing really well at it are the second and third arrivals."
The New Zealand Maori flanker, who has been named to start at No 7 on Saturday against the Barbarians, said he had kept an eye on his openside counterparts during the Super 14, looking to glean what was working for individuals. As it happens, the player he felt had best adjusted to the new demands is now his teammate.
"Karl Lowe, he's bloody good at it," Latimer said. "I've watched him through the Super 14 and tried, I guess, to mimic some of the things he does."
Like most players, Latimer would probably rather be in New Plymouth than Whangarei this weekend, but being part of the Maori during their centenary year is better than your average consolation prize.
"It's outstanding. I was obviously pretty disappointed about the All Blacks, but to be named in this side is superb. There's a good vibe in this team. The boys can't wait to play some rugby."
The Maori have spent the week training and immersing themselves in the history and cultural significance of Maori rugby. They have been handed their centenary jerseys and talked through the motifs and what they represent.
"We had another presentation from [jersey designer] Tiki Edwards and I tell you what, it was pretty moving.
"Basically it's incorporating everything back to 1910 on the front of the jersey. On the back is all our whakapapa."
The Maori move to Rotorua after Saturday's match, where they meet the Irish on Friday week. Five days later it's England at Napier's McLean Park.
For the Te Puke flanker of Tapuika, Ngati Makino and Te Arawa descent, the Ireland "test" could be a battle of logistics.
"I've already got ticket orders up to my eyeballs," Latimer said. Should he get the start, will his whanau get to see a player now completely at ease with the requirements of his position?
"Almost. There's still a few little things in there I can improve. I'll keep trucking away at those things and get better. As I said before, it's all about continuity, and an important part of that is linking."
NZ MAORI v NZ BARBARIANS
NZ Maori
Robbie Robinson
Sean Maitland
Jackson Willison
Luke McAlister
Hosea Gear
Stephen Brett
Chris Smylie
Liam Messam (c)
Tanerau Latimer
Jarrad Hoeata
Daniel Ramsay
Isaac Ross
Clint Newland
Corey Flynn
Bronson Murray
NZ Barbarians
Jared Payne
Bryce Heem
Rene Ranger
Ben Smith
Fetu Vainikolo
Colin Slade
Alby Mathewson
Pater Saili
Alando Soakai (c)
Scott Waldrom
Kevin O'Neill
Josh Bekhuis
Charlie Faumuina
John Afoa
Jamie Mackintosh
Maori reserves: Dane Coles, Ben Afeaki, Romana Graham, Hayden Triggs, Colin Bourke, Aaron Smith, Dwayne Sweeney.
Barbarians reserves: Damien Varley, Tom Court, Andrew van der Heijden, Dean Budd, Rhyan Caine, Lachie Munro, Daniel Bowden.
