Rugby: Cory Jane still wants to be heard

Cory Jane has been a solid presence on the Hurricanes wing this season. Photo / Getty Images

Cory Jane has almost been the forgotten man of the Hurricanes' backline this year.

With fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder emerging as the find of the season, Julian Savea running over people on the left wing and TJ Perenara coming along nicely, the headlines have gone to players other than the man wearing No 14.

Ma'a Nonu's return has also sparked further interest in the Hurricanes and his midfield combination with Conrad Smith looks as sharp as ever. First-five Beauden Barrett has continued to improve and is shaping as an option for the All Blacks at the World Cup.

It all adds up to Jane having -- by some standards -- a steady rather than spectacular campaign but the 32-year-old has been happy to let other names enjoy the limelight.

"They're playing some good rugby," Jane said of his backline mates. "Ma'a's killing it, Conrad's the usual, doing what he does and everyone's playing well. So there's no point going out there to try and be a rock star and try to take all their ball."

Jane's game, particularly in recent seasons, has been built on a solid work ethic, safety under the high ball and tight defence, which has seen him rack up 53 test appearances for the All Blacks.

As he chases a World Cup spot this year, he said he would like to get his hands on the ball more in the coming weeks.

"Teams haven't really been kicking it down my channel so that takes that out of it," he said. "I've just got to play rugby and do my best every week. I'm enjoying it this year, I didn't really enjoy it too much last year."

Jane played with sore knees last season but his body is in good nick in 2015 and while there are a range of contenders to play on the right wing for Steven Hansen's side, Jane isn't lying down.

"I still want to be an All Black and that's what's driving me," he said. "Competition's good. I like the pressure."

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said he had no concerns around Jane's form this year.

"I think Cory's had a really accurate season and I've had some discussions with him around the fact that he's getting a bit frustrated that he hasn't been finishing a lot," Boyd said.

"But if you look at his game carefully, he's been contributing a lot to the team. He's created quite a bit and he's been very, very good defensively and organisationally. So he's had a good season without it being great and in a part of the field that people probably don't see."

Jane will line up on the right wing for the Hurricanes tomorrow (sat) when they meet the Blues at Eden Park as they continue their quest to earn the top spot in Super Rugby to ensure home advantage come playoff time.

Hurricanes skipper Conrad Smith has been rested, which opens the door for Rey Lee-Lo to have a run at centre, while Boyd has also had to rejig his forward pack to deal with injuries and suspension.