Black jersey beckons Cowan

By NATHAN BURDON

Halfback Jimmy Cowan is poised to become the first Southlander in nearly a decade to win an All Black test assignment.

Cowan has been bracketed with Byron Kelleher on the All Blacks' bench for Saturday night's second test against England and is a strong chance of getting the nod with Kelleher troubled by a hamstring niggle.

The Highlanders rookie was called up to Auckland early yesterday morning after both Kelleher and starting No 9 Justin Marshall were unable to train fully on Monday.

Marshall has bruising on a knee and was being rested as a precaution, but will start against England on Saturday.

Cowan's chances of being named officially on the bench appear strong.

Kelleher said last week that he had learnt from his experience of playing only 70 percent fit for the Chiefs in a Super 12 semi-final against the Brumbies this season.

He has vowed not to go into a big game underdone again.

Cowan could become the first Southlander to wear the All Black jersey since Simon Culhane played against South Africa in 1996.

In recent times a host of Southland players have gone on to wear the Silver Fern after leaving the province including the likes of Marshall, Jeff Wilson, Pita Alatini, David Hill and Paul Miller.

Rugby Southland chief executive Roger Clark said Cowan's progress should be a positive sign for other aspiring players in the province.

"We've been promoting this young group of players through the (Rugby Southland) academy and trying to keep them in the province and it shows them there's a pathway to the top," Clark said.

Cowan's spot at No 3 in the national pecking order for halfbacks was hinted at when he was named in the Probables reserves for the All Black trial.

The Southland Times understands he was supposed to get some game time in the trial, but the closeness of the game meant he wasn't used.