Auckland take points in fitness battle

By WYNNE GRAY

Midfield back Sam Tuitupou was cleared to play for Auckland tomorrow but reinstated All Black Rodney So'oialo lost his battle to start for Wellington.

While Tuitupou satisfied the medical staff his shoulder was fine for the round three NPC clash at Eden Park, So'oialo has been rested after being concussed last week against Waikato.

So'oialo will be fine to join the All Blacks and take part in contact training at the initial World Cup camp in Whangarei next week.

However his place in the Wellington side has gone to regular Wellington B captain Hemi Pou who will occupy the blindside flanker's role with Thomas Waldron switching to the back of the scrum.

After a number of x-rays and scans, Tuitupou was declared fit to start in midfield, a result which saved some significant rearrangements in the Auckland backline.

Auckland are wary of the attacking power in the visiting backline and the speed newcomer Sireli Bobo adds on the wing.

The danger is emphasised with the skills of Riki Flutey and Pita Alatini left on the bench.

The NPC champions will look to their defence, an area which has yet to yield a try this season, and the cohesion in their pack to mould the platform for tomorrow's match on what may be trying conditions.

If Wellington do not improve their ball retention and support play they could face a repeat of the huge defensive effort they had against Waikato.

They made more than 200 tackles in that 18-23 defeat in Hamilton and while that grit pleased coach John Plumtree, he acknowledged it pinpointed deficiencies elsewhere.

"It was a great defensive effort and I was proud of the way the boys held them out, but we are turning over too much second and third phase ball," the coach said.

"We need to be a bit more patient and realise when to hold on and when to offload."

Wellington has improved their setpiece work steadily in the opening two rounds of the NPC but they have yet to provide consistent, quick, useful ball for their brilliant backs.

The teams are:

Auckland: Ben Atiga, Iliesa Tanivula, Tane Tuipolotu, Sam Tuitupou, Brent Ward, Orene Ai'i, David Gibson, Xavier Rush (capt), Daniel Braid, Justin Collins, Bradley Mika, Bryce Williams, John Afoa, Derren Witcombe, Scott Palmer. Reserves: Jared Tuoro, Chris Heard, Angus Macdonald, Sione Lauaki, Craig McGrath, Shannon Paku, Isa Nacewa.

Wellington: Christian Cullen, Lome Fa'atau, Ma'a Nonu, Paul Steinmetz, Sireli Bobo, David Holwell (capt), Jason Spice, Thomas Waldron, Scott Waldron, Hemi Pou, Kristian Ormsby, Ross Kennedy, Tim Fairbrother, Luke Mahoney, Kas Lealamanua. Reserves: Jason Macdonald, Neemia Tialata, Ross Filipo, Iva Motusaga, Riki Flutey, Jimmy Gopperth, Pita Alatini.