New Zealand coach Graham Henry has praised Chiefs Fijian import Sitiveni Sivivatu for his feat in the Super 14.
However, reports say this is not to seal him a spot in the All Blacks squad for the upcoming Test series against Ireland and Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup series.
Sivivatu bagged a mixed season for his Chiefs team.
Henry admits Sivivatu is one of the best wingers they have but his match fitness is what has triggered worry ahead of selection.
"We think he's probably played well generally speaking and he'd be disappointed with a couple of instances. We just hope he's fit, that's all," Henry told rugbyheaven.com
"We think Siti has played pretty well actually over the season,” Henry said.
“He's got a lot more physical, his defence has improved and he's created opportunities. He'd be disappointed he blew a try last week in Perth where he dropped a ball but he created a try a couple of minutes before that and not many players are able to do what he does.”
With other Fijian flyer Joe Rokocoko rested for a serious wrist injury, Henry is desperately scouting for wingers.
His position is heavily contested by Leila Masaga, who unlike Sivivatu’s four tries in the S14, has scored eight tries and leads the competition’s top tryscorers list.
Sivivatu has played 21 tests for the All Blacks and Henry put speculation aside by saying the former Ratu Kadavulevu School student is still an important member of his soon-to-be selected national side.
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