Steamers captain Tanerau Latimer has been selected in the All Blacks Tri-Nations squad. The first game is at home to Australia on Saturday 18 July.

What this means is that Tanerau won't be available for the Steamers until towards the end of the Air New Zealand Cup - if he is released at all. That may depend on the fitness of Richie McCaw and how much time Latimer actually plays. Looking on the bright side, this could be a great chance for Luke Braid to show what he can do at a higher level.