By John Day
Liam Messam hasn't been picked for the All Blacks Sevens team that will compete on the World Series circuit in Paris this weekend, and shouldn't be selected for the Olympics.
The 32-year-old gave up his All Blacks and Chiefs aspirations to be part of the team at the Rio Games, but his performances so far are hardly inspiring.
Messam has an impressive CV in sevens and is an obvious favourite of coach Sir Gordon Tietjens. He captained the team to World Series glory at the age of just 20 and secured Commonwealth Games gold medals in both Melbourne and Delhi.
But that was a while ago, and the Messam I'm seeing now is struggling to make a big impact on the sevens field.
In fact, his most memorable moment this year was being sin-binned after the final whistle in the Plate final defeat to Samoa in Singapore for kicking the ball away.
Sure, that shows that Messam cares a lot about this team and wants to be winning, but what it also shows is a frustrated man who isn't playing up to his own high standards.
So if Messam's not going to make it, who should?
Titch has previously said he has eight locked-in for Rio, so here are my eight must-have players for the Olympics:
BROTHERS
Akira and Reiko Ioane have the potential to become global superstars in Rio. These Blues Brothers have been exceptional on both the Sevens World Series and in Super Rugby this year. No doubt these siblings will be All Blacks in the future.
Rieko and Akira Ioane (Photosport)
ALL BLACKS
Sonny Bill Williams has had an up and down introduction to sevens, but is still a vital piece of the puzzle. He's only in his first season in the new sport and is a man for the big occasion.
The other All Black I'd take to Rio would be Augustine Pulu. The two-test halfback looked the business before breaking his arm in Sydney. He's got plenty of X-factor and is a must-have in the squad.
Sonny Bill Williams and Augustine Pulu have played alongside each other in the All Blacks (Photosport)
VETERANS
DJ Forbes proved to me in Las Vegas and Vancouver that while he may not be as fast as he used to be, he's still got the nous to be in the right place at the right time and is an inspiration to the rest of the squad.
Feels a bit unfair to call a 29-year-old a veteran, but Tim Mikkelson's turned into a real leader for this team and would have to be the hardest working player in the squad.
DJ Forbes (left) flanked by Tim Mikkelson at the Dubai Sevens in 2013 (Photosport)
SPECIALISTS
Two thumbs up for Kurt Baker who is a genuine game-breaker and match-winner. This guy wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line, and I'm backing him to deliver in Rio.
Gillies Kaka has absolutely found his niche in Sevens and has consistently been one of New Zealand's -- if not the world's -- best players over the past three seasons.
Gillies Kaka and Kurt Baker celebrating after winning the Wellington Sevens in January (Photosport)
THE OTHER FOUR
If Scott Curry’s fit, he's in and the captain.
Sione Molia went to Wesley College and favourite player is Jonah Lomu -- perfect.
Regan Ware has the most speed in the squad, we need that.
Sam Dickson is the man we want securing the all-important kick-offs, if he's fit.
Newshub.
