By GRAHAM REDDAWAY
There has been no shortage of motivation in the Ponsonby and Otahuhu training sessions leading up to the final of the Gallaher Shield today.
Otahuhu, who won their semifinal against Marist 16-13, are defending the famous trophy they won last year by beating Ponsonby 24-13 and will go into the game with only lock Henry Tofilau out, with broken ribs.
Ponsonby, who had the easier passage into the final with their 23-3 defeat of Waitemata, have no major injury problems, although they will have a good look at lock Ali Williams before deciding whether he or Sam Anania will start the match.
Otahuhu coach Trevor Snookes said halfback and motivational skipper Robert Rush was battered and bent, but there was no way he would miss the match.
Snookes ordered a combative training session on Tuesday night against Otahuhu's second side, with special emphasis on the ball on the ground, where they showed a weakness in the semifinal
Snookes is also aware that Ponsonby will have considerable confidence after the blue-and-blacks won their last encounter with Otahuhu, 30-3.
Ponsonby coach Jack Huch agreed that his side would be a good deal more confident than they were in the final last season.
Their game plan will centre on brilliant first five-eighths Carlos Spencer.
He was targeted by the Waitemata loose forwards in the semifinal, but stood deeper and wider, and they could not get near him, Huch said.
"Carlos has been jumping out of his skin and thoroughly enjoying playing in the club's colours, and that has been a huge influence on our performances."
Ponsonby first won the Gallaher Shield, named after former All Black and Ponsonby player Dave Gallaher in 1924, three years after it was first presented.
They have captured it 27 times and Otahuhu nine, their first victory coming in 1956 when they shared the championship with University.
Ponsonby last won in 1995.
Ponsonby: Paul Williams, Mark Ama, Dale Rasmussen, Craig Innes, Gavin Williams, Carlos Spencer, Kevin Senio, Jeremiah Soaki, Bevan Leckner (capt), Siaosi Vaiili, Jason Chandler, Ali Williams/Sam Anania, John Meredith, Nathan Kemp, Soane Tongauihau. Reserves: John Senio, Darren Kellett, Jeremy Stanley, Josh Robertson, Fonzie Luafaleolo, Melvin Leavasa, Sam Anania.
Otahuhu: Taffa Aii, Tupo Faamasino, Mark Tasi, Terry Fanolua, Tia Suemai, Tupe Fanolua, Robert Rush (capt), Alfie Toala, Craig de Goldi, Gareth Palamo, Bradley Mika, Taru Chi-tar, Kisi Pulu, Keven Mealamu, Alani Maka. Reserves: Junior Poluleuligaga, Sione Tuitavake, Faivale Toailoa, Ephraim Taukafa, Simon Lemalu, Henry Tofilau, Metele Misa.
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