Masoe poised to start off bench

Chris Masoe's return to the All Blacks looks set to be from the bench, but the Wellington flanker is just glad to be back in black.

Speaking publicly for the first time since he was controversially dropped from the All Blacks via text message after the Super 14, Masoe said he harboured no ill-feelings about his axing.

"That's how rugby goes, it's the job you're in," the 29-year-old said yesterday.

"I was pretty disappointed, but I've got another opportunity now with the recall backup. It was pretty tough [at the time]. It takes a couple of days, a week to get over it. But playing for the ABs in the black jersey is a huge honour ... so I was pretty happy I got the chance to get back in there."

Masoe admitted his post-World Cup omission had forced him to weigh up his future in New Zealand rugby.

"Yeah, I guess there's been a bit of interest from clubs overseas, but I haven't made any decisions yet. It's my last year for New Zealand [contractually] and I'm looking forward to the NPC ... We'll see what happens from there."

For now though, Masoe has been recalled for Saturday's test against South Africa in Wellington, skipper Richie McCaw being out with an ankle injury.

But the versatile Hurricanes flanker's 21st test cap may not be in McCaw's No7 jersey as most had expected. Masoe did not run in what appeared to be the All Blacks' preferred XV during an indoor session at Walter Nash Stadium in Lower Hutt yesterday.

The favoured loose trio comprised new captain Rodney So'oialo and Adam Thomson on the sides of the scrum with Jerome Kaino at No8.

Lock Ali Williams watched from the sidelines, clearly not 100 per cent recovered yet from an ankle injury that forced him off during the second test against England. Anthony Boric ran at lock, with called-up Chiefs lock Kevin O'Neill in more of a backup role. In the backs Conrad Smith slotted back in at centre for Richard Kahui, with Rudi Wulf on the wing ahead of Anthony Tuitavake.

The All Blacks side is named today.

Whatever role he plays, Masoe said he was fit and ready despite having played just three club games for his Johnsonville club side in recent months. "You always have to be on your toes because it's one step away if someone gets injured. I'm back into it and looking forward to it.

"I had pretty much started back with the [Wellington] Lions with preseason training. The fitness is always there, but you need a bit of contact. Playing club is always good and fun. It was enjoyable. It wasn't the best rugby, but it was good contact and I was pleased to get that in."

So'oialo welcomed the return of his provincial teammate, but was giving little away about where he would slot into the All Blacks loose trio.

"Loosies are capable of playing any [of the three] positions now. A few years ago we were specialists in one area, but now I think the boys are talented enough to shift and really look forward to the challenge of the different roles."

So'oialo said South Africa represented a big step up from the England series.

"The pressure is a bit different. Obviously you are playing the best team in the world. They showed that with their World Cup campaign and coming into the games they've had in the past few weeks ... that's a benchmark we need to reach."

He was "privileged" to take over the captaincy from McCaw and believed their leadership styles were similar.

- © Fairfax NZ News