Top of the pile: Liam Messam
All Blacks blindside Liam Messam will not be resting on his laurels after he was named in the number six jersey for Saturday's clash with South Africa.
Messam, who helped lead the Chiefs to Super Rugby glory this year, has forced his way back into the national side after being benched last week.
But he knows more than most that he will have to maintain a high level of performance in order to keep the shirt from other squad members.
"It has been a good year but I'll never get too comfortable," Messam told sportal.co.nz.
"That's when you start to lose your way. I want to have an edge about myself, when I train and when I play."
Messam has played second fiddle to Jerome Kaino in the past while Adam Thomson and more recently Victor Vito have also worn the number six jersey. But the Chiefs man revealed that he never gave up hope on returning to the Test set-up.
"I never gave up. I took the setbacks on the chin and told myself to get better," he continued.
"I haven't been totally happy with my performances yet. I've still got a lot to learn and a lot to give to this team.
"I still feel like a bit of a rookie in the All Blacks, which is good because it keeps me on my toes and on edge."
Comments
georgesmith says...
Very good player L.Messam but largely inconsistent. Unforced errors are common from him.
Posted 00:58 14th September 2012
passtheball says...
The only place Liam Messam wasn't completely accepted, until very recently, was in the AB squad. Appointed captain of Waikato, the Chiefs and the NZ Maori he was comfortable in his roles and had the coaches confidence. With Hansen and Henry he was never allowed to play with all the big boys, had criticism and the axe hanging over his head each game he played. Compare his AB development with K Read - chalk and cheese. Unless he is used as battering ram like Jerry Collins / Jerome Kaino - he should now develop into an outstanding AB.
Posted 14:15 13th September 2012
turboboy says...
Looks to be finally looking like a more rounded player - definitely not giving away as many stupid penalties as he was a few years ago.
Posted 13:41 13th September 2012
kiwilad says...
Liam seems to now be delivering what he has promised for such a long time..
Posted 11:56 13th September 2012
tweedledee49 says...
Well done Liam! This guys come a long way, and has really impressed me this year with his performances, especially in the black jersey. All the best with his All Black career.
Posted 10:49 13th September 2012