Johanna ready for challenge

Johanna O'Connor doesn't feel like a seasoned veteran and, at 24, nor should she.
But as the Mount lifeguard heads into this week's International Surf Challenge in Sydney in a 12-strong New Zealand team, she's having to fend off the ambitions of several youngstars.
Top of the list is Wellington's Natasha Hind, who performedbrilliantly for New Zealand at the German Cup pool competition over the weekend _ though O'Connor is confident she's got the 18-year-old's measure for now.
"You always keep an eye out but then again I can do a lot more on the beach than she can and that's my real asset," O'Connor said.
"She's pretty good in the pool but when it comes to the beach I can paddle a board and ski as well as swim. World champs are all about versatility."
O'Connor made her national debut at the world championships in Italy in 2004 and also attended Rescue 2006 in Australia. This week's International Challenge _ which starts on Thursday at Bondi Beach _ has a huge amount riding on it as selectors seek a team capable of winning the world crown in Germany next July.
"We are tapering for this and this is the big one we've been working through winter towards.
"Afterwards I'm going on a week's holiday and not doing anything but then it will be straight back into our season and there's no way I can be off my game."
O'Connor will miss January's Owen Chapman Cup _ one of the selection events for the world championship team _ as her brother is getting married that weekend, though will be back for the Northern Region championships on her home beach.
Her Mount clubmate Chelsea Maples is also in the New Zealand team this week, as is Papamoa's Glenn Anderson, who is travelling back from Germany with Hind and Michael Buck to compete inSydney. Hind was a late callup after Lucy Pengelly pulled out with a back injury.
The teenager was chosen as the best female at the German Cup, consistently finishing in the top-five.
National coach John Bryant has high hopes for his side this week despite facing a star-studdedAustralian team led by double world ironman champions Zane Holmes and Kristy Munroe.
"They've got their weaknesses as well and we're pretty fast on the beach," Bryant said.
"As far as speed goes in and out of the water, we're pretty good. Chelsea, Nikki Cox, Glenn Anderson, Kev Morrison _ they're all fast _ and all we've got to do is get off the beach with them and then beat them up the beach. It's not a hard plan to put in place."
As well as the transtasman rivalry teams from South Africa, Great Britain, the United States and Japan will also compete in the three-test series, helping to commemorate Australia's 100 years of surf lifesaving.
The tests will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Australia's depth is such that it can field four past or present national ironman champions _ Nathan Smith, Shannon Eckstein, Holmes and Pierce Leonard, who will compete in the under-23s.