Steve Deane: Super final efforts may seal selection

Steve Deane

They have emerged as New Zealand's top Super Rugby team but it remains to be seen if the Chiefs' collective rise will translate into individual honours.

Tomorrow morning's Super 14 final could go a long way to deciding the immediate international prospects of a host of Chiefs' contenders. Graham Henry and co have form when it comes to factoring in finals performances.

Wellington lock Jeremy Thrush somehow managed to play himself out of an end of year tour spot in last year's national championship final, Henry revealed when that squad was named. His spot went instead to Ross Filipo.

It is unlikely, however, that a Chief will suffer that fate. Those who have done enough over the last 14 weeks - Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Stephen Donald, Tanerau Latimer and Liam Messam - are highly unlikely to reverse that impression in 80 minutes.

Of that group, only openside flanker Latimer has yet to receive an All Blacks call-up. But with Richie McCaw and Scott Waldrom sidelined and Daniel Braid having departed, the case for the 21-year-old workhorse's elevation is almost beyond rebuttal.

There is more at stake for five "maybes", some of whom will be playing their first truly high-stakes match.

Lelia Masaga, the dashing wing who carved up defences early in the season but who blotted his copybook with a disastrous schoolboy error against the Brumbies, probably has the most to play for.

Masaga has improved his defence and surety under high balls significantly but many still doubt his suitability for test match rugby. A strong showing tomorrow could go a long way to dispelling those doubts.

Hooker Aled de Malmanche must have a bolter's chance. Another storming display might just tempt the selectors to take a punt on his physicality while ignoring his lineout foibles. Of course, to do that, they'd need to either pick three hookers or snub one of their two experienced incumbents. Highly unlikely.

Of the others in the frame, there isn't much the selectors don't already know about Sione Lauaki. Lock Kevin O'Neill has been picked before and could still be on the radar after a solid campaign, while massive rookie prop James McGougan hasn't taken a backward step during his first Super Rugby campaign.

Halfback Brendon Leonard won't be on show in the final - his prospects will rest on how well he is recovering from the hamstring tear suffered against the Brumbies.