Wilson not taking place for granted
August 7, 2001

He might have played 58 Tests, but Jeff Wilson has never taken the All Blacks jersey for granted.

"I've always had the attitude the All Black jersey is no one's as of right, you have to earn it every week," Wilson said on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old will not know until Wednesday, when the team is officially announced, whether he is in the starting 15 for Saturday's Tri-Nations/Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia at Carisbrook.

He knows he'll be facing stiff competition from Leon MacDonald at fullback and from Doug Howlett on the right wing. "We train and we trade positions. It makes us work that little bit harder to try and get that spot," he said.

"If I get it, great; if I don't I'm there to support the guys as much as I can. Leon came on and played really well in that second half against South Africa. It's a matter of what the selectors want. I don't know what's going through their heads. It's just a matter of me doing everything I can, to make sure I'm in the forefront of their minds."

Wilson has been shuttled from wing to fullback since his return from a rib injury during the Highlanders' campaign, but he has no complaints. "It's been a bit of a merry-go-round but that's fine by me. If they're still giving me opportunities, having a bit of versatility is good.

"I don't think many people know Carisbrook better than I do, so it will be great if I get my chance, no matter where I'm playing."

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