 Marshall is in outstanding form |
New Zealand scrum-half Justin Marshall has cast doubt over his involvement in next month's Tests against the Lions. Marshall, who will join English side Leeds after the series, has had no contact with the All Blacks selectors, after missing November's European tour.
"I have to weigh up whether I'm going to be selected and whether my heart is in it," he told the Herald on Sunday.
"The selectors have to decide whether they want me and I have to decide whether or not I want to be involved."
Marshall, who has won 77 caps, has been in superb form during the Super 12 season, helping the Crusaders into next weekend's final against New South Wales.
But the 31-year-old was left at home for the All Blacks' European tour as the selectors opted to blood several younger players. Marshall said "some of the signals they sent me at the end of last year" have left him unclear whether he figures in coach Graham Henry's plans.
"In the past six weeks I've been really really pleased with my form and I don't think I could play any better," Marshall said.
"If that's not good enough, I'm not sure what 77 Test matches before me has done."
The Lions arrive in New Zealand on Friday, but Marshall's comments have led to speculation he may call it quits after the Super 12 final. "Everyone's talking about the Lions tour and saying it would be a great way to finish," he added.
"But for me the thing I want to do now is finish well for the Crusaders then contemplate what I'm going to do after that."
Henry was reluctant to discuss the issue of whether Marshall would face the Lions, but did praise his "superb form" for the Crusaders
"In fact, I think he is playing as well as I have ever seen him play," Henry added.
Meanwhile, wing Joe Rokocoko is in danger of losing his Test place after being demoted to the New Zealand Sevens squad.
Rokocoko, scorer of 27 tries in just 23 Tests, was the only established player who is available to be left out of the All Blacks trial on 3 June. The entire Crusaders contingent, due to their Super 12 final next weekend, and those players in the New Zealand Maori squad to face the Lions, were not considered.
Auckland flanker Jerone Kaino - another candidate to face the Lions - has also been named in the Sevens squad.
"We think selection for the Sevens team is best for Joe and Jerome's immediate development," Henry said.
"It's an opportunity to get their hands on the ball, to get
their confidence up and to get them firing on all cylinders."
Rokocoko's position in the All Blacks side is under threat from the in-form Rico Gear, Ma'a Nonu and Sitiveni Sivivatu.
Gear is in the Maori squad while Sivivatu was chosen in the "probables" team, to be led by All Blacks skipper Tana Umaga, for the trial match.
MMIX
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He is playing as well as I have ever seen him play
