All Blacks monitoring Howlett in Cup build-up

MUNSTER’S Doug Howlett is believed to be one of three overseas New Zealand players on the radar of the All Black selectors when planning for their 2011 World Cup begins after this year’s Tri Nations.

Assistant coach, Wayne Smith, admitted a couple of All Blacks plying their trade overseas were being contacted on a semi-regular basis by the coaches.

Howlett, Newcastle Falcon’s tighthead Carl Hayman, Nick Evans of Harlequins, Ospreys’ flanker Jerry Collins and Leicester Tigers inside centre, Aaron Mauger, are amongst those believed to be on the list for inclusion on Graham Henry’s 2011 World Cup squad.

Smith added that the players they’re targeting must return to New Zealand next year to become eligible, which means Howlett could be on his way home at the end of his current deal with Munster.

Howlett, whose two-and-half year contract expires on June 30, 2010, has never ruled out a return to the All Blacks shirt, and may now wish to get a last shot at World Cup glory after suffering disappointments in 2003 and 2007.

“Anyone that wants to have a crack at the World Cup has to play in the Air NZ Cup and Super 14 and play their way back into the All Blacks,” said Smith.

“Of course there is nothing guaranteed.

“There is going to be some real heat on over the next couple of years and that is great.”

Top-class wingers like Howlett are, however, in short supply on Henry’s 2009 All Black squad. Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu are struggling to find form, while Corey Jane, who played last week against the Wallabies, is a natural full back.

Howlett, who’ll be 32 by the time the next World Cup comes around, remains New Zealand’s record Test try scorer (49 tries in 62 All Black tests). He moved to Munster in December 2007, helping the province win the Heineken Cup that season.

Luke McAlister is one prominent player to return from overseas this year and was fast-tracked straight into the black jersey.