Messam, Ranger will return, says Henry

21st July 2010

Wing Rene Ranger and flanker Liam Messam will return to the All Blacks Tri-Nations squad, coach Graham Henry says.

Both players were excluded from the travelling party for the match against Australia in Melbourne on July 31.

However, Henry clarified that Ranger and Messam would be back in his squad to prepare for the return fixture against Australia in Christchurch on August 7.

Henry said he was allowed to take only 26 players to Australia.

Because halfback Piri Weepu might need to return home for the birth of his first child, it was decided to take an extra halfback in the form of Alby Mathewson.

Ranger, who scored a try in his starting debut as the All Blacks beat South Africa 31-17 in Wellington on Saturday, made way for Joe Rokocoko, who has recovered from a hamstring strain.

Victor Vito, who sat out that match because of a calf injury, replaced Messam in the squad for Australia.

Messam started Saturday's game on the reserves bench.

Prop John Afoa and lock Anthony Boric also make the squad of 26 after watching from the stands in Wellington.

Meanwhile, injured utility back Richard Kahui is set to return to rugby next month, All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said yesterday.

Kahui, 25, saw a shoulder specialist in Auckland on Monday after injuring his right shoulder in the All Blacks' first Tri-Nations match against South Africa.

"Richard sustained a small fracture of the shoulder socket but the good news is that the injury is stable and improving rapidly," Robinson said.

"At this stage, he doesn't require surgery.

"Richard is now concentrating on strengthening work and rehabilitation. We will monitor him with an aim of getting him back into rugby in three to four weeks."