Doug Howlett might be able to help New Zealand's lack of quality wings with the All Blacks great contemplating a return home to have a crack at the 2011 World Cup.
Howlett is in the second season of a three year deal with leading Irish club Munster, the Heineken Cup champions.
On the cusp of his 30th birthday Howlett says he's tempted to have another crack at the one major honour to escape him in an illustrious career.
"I spent nine years as an All Black in New Zealand. I'd seen European rugby on TV and I always thought of trying it out. The experience with Munster has been wonderful so far," Howlett told the Wales on S8unday newspaper.
"But there's a World Cup in 2011 in New Zealand which is a huge carrot for any rugby player. I will reassess closer to the time whether I feel I'm playing well enough to warrant a go at an All Blacks jersey.
"It's a World Cup and they don't come easily. I've had two goes at it now and unfortunately I haven't managed to get hold of it, but that's sport."
Howlett has won the Tri-Nations, a grand slam and numerous glamour tests with the All Blacks. He's won the Super title with the Blues, New Zealand's domestic title and the Ranfurly Shield with Auckland and Europe's biggest tournament with Munster.
But his last World Cup experience was a nightmare.
Despite having claimed the All Blacks' try-scoring record in the pool match against Scotland last year, Howlett was strangely ignored by the selectors for the ill-fated quarter-final against France and had to watch the horror exit unfold in Cardiff from the stands.
Howlett, who scored 49 tries in 62 tests with the All Blacks, subsequently departed for the European scene and left a massive hole on the right wing in the New Zealand game.
Rudi Wulf and Anthony Tuitavake failed to take their opportunities forcing the All Blacks into a makeshift role with centre Richard Kahui moved out to the wing.
It will now be interesting to see who emerges over the next year and how time fares on the aging Howlett.
But it's interesting to see another classy All Black contemplating a return to New Zealand in time to push their cause.
The player drain might start happening in reverse.
