Jonah Lomu's dreams of making a third World Cup took a tentative step forward today when he was named in North Harbour's Air New Zealand Cup rugby squad.
The 63-test All Blacks wing, who played his first match on New Zealand soil in three years during North Harbour club rugby last Saturday, is among coach Allan Pollock's outside backs although he is no certainty to force his way into the starting 15.
Rudi Wulf, who is making his own comeback after suffering a serious neck injury in a swimming pool accident last year, Vili Waqaseduadua and Zar Lawrence are all bidding for wing berths.
Wulf and Waqaseduadua have been named on the wings for North Harbour's final pre-season game against Northland here on Saturday.
Lomu, 31, was unavailable after tweaking an ankle during his 30-minute club rugby comeback for Massey.
Lomu was signed to North Harbour last year but is yet to play for the province after suffering a shoulder injury during former England captain Martin Johnson's testimonial match at Twickenham.
An ankle injury, while playing for Welsh club Cardiff in April, has also hampered his progress after he returned to the game following his recovery from a life-threatening kidney disease.
Pollock and his assistant coach Milan Yelavich named a 28-man squad for the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup starting next week while they expect to have the services of All Blacks Tony Woodcock, Greg Rawlinson and Luke McAlister at some stage.
The squad feature 10 personnel changes from last year when the province made the NPC semifinals before losing to eventual champions Auckland.
"We've lost a lot of experienced players and leaders but in true North Harbour tradition we once again introduce a plethora of young and exciting rugby talent," Pollock said.
"Although some players have gone, North Harbour have maintained and gained a lot of fantastic new talent.
"This team will look to build on their semifinals experience and add a physical edge to their traditional entertaining style of rugby."
Tony Coughlan (Northland), Joe Ward (Britain), Marty Veale (Japan), Brent Wilson (Britain), Tom Harding (Britain) and Rodney Voullaire (Italy) are missing from last year's forwards while backs Ben Meyer (Counties-Manukau), Craig McGrath (Italy), Andrew Mailei (Japan) and Andrew Whiteman (Britain) have headed to new pastures.
North Harbour open their pool A campaign away at Blenheim on July 30 where they face newcomers Tasman.
North Harbour squad:-
Forwards: Anthony Boric (captain), Adrian Donald, Roger Dustow, Doug Fletcher, James Hinchco, Daniel Kane, Vili Ma'afu, Mike Noble, Mike Reid, Ngarimu Simpkins, Francis Stowers, Regan Tamihere, Chris White, Nick Williams, Ryan Wilson.
Backs: Puanani Hunia, Zar Lawrence, Jonah Lomu, Jack McPhee, Joel Nasmith, George Pisi, Tusi Pisi, Junior Poluleuligaga, James Rodley, Rua Tipoki, Anthony Tuitavake, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Rudi Wulf.
NZPA