By TERRY MADDAFORD
Canterbury's star Dutch centre-half Taeke Taekema was very much on Auckland coach Ian Woodley's mind as he prepared his team for this afternoon's top-of-the-table national league clash.
Taekema has scored 10 goals for competition leader Canterbury - all from penalty corners - to head the Lion Foundation NHL scoring
list.
And Woodley says he is also a real threat in open play.
"He is a very good centre-half and a player we must be aware of."
International defender Dion Gosling returns to the Auckland team for the first time this season.
He will be joined by his Olympic team-mate Bevan Hari. They replace Wayne McIndoe, who is unavailable, and Mark Laurence.
Although Auckland are guaranteed a semifinal spot, Woodley is still gunning for a win over Canterbury.
"I played 78 games for Auckland before I lost to another provincial team," said the former New Zealand goalkeeper. "I want my players to have the same attitude."
Canterbury face a testing weekend.
After this afternoon's clash they head north to play North Harbour tomorrow.
North Harbour meet Midlands in the first of their double-header at Rosedale Park this afternoon, needing maximum points to consolidate their spot in the top four.
In women's action, interest will also focus on today's battle between Auckland and Canterbury, who, like their men's teams, are separated by goal difference at the top of the table.
North Harbour, third ahead of Wellington on goal difference, play Midlands this afternoon and Canterbury tomorrow - both at Rosedale Park.
Harbour have won two from four and head the goalscoring list with 11.
Central remain top four contenders. Wins over Wellington (in Palmerston North) and Midlands (in Hamilton) would put them back into semifinal contention.
