Rugby: Now may be the hour for the Iceman

Chris Rattue reports that the great Michael Jones may be on the verge of announcing that his illustrious career has come to an end.

Auckland rugby is gearing up to farewell Michael Jones.

The team management said yesterday that Jones was not available to comment on his future, but it is believed the legendary All Black forward will make his decision this weekend and there is strong speculation that he will retire at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old Jones is in the line-up who will take on Taranaki at New Plymouth today, and Auckland's final-round match is against Counties Manukau at Eden Park next Saturday afternoon.

If Auckland can hang on to top spot, Jones, who does not play on Sundays, will be able to play in the semifinal. However, if the Aucklanders slip to second or third, their semifinal will be on a Sunday. The final is on Saturday.

The Auckland union is understood to be preparing to give Jones a special farewell.

Auckland coach Wayne Pivac said: "His body is in the best shape it has been for a while.

"There were no guarantees he would have made our side this year but his form has been so good. I know he is toying with the idea of retiring and he wants to go out on a high note.

"There was no way he wanted to go out after the Blues' disappointing campaign this year.

"He still wants to talk with his family about it and he hasn't made a final decision, but realistically there is a strong chance that this will be his last season."

Jones, who played in 55 tests between 1987 and 1998, has been playing on a New Zealand Rugby Football Union contract which expires at the end of this season.

The high-flying Auckland side will be out to break a three-game losing streak against Taranaki today.

They may face some searching questions in the scrums as they field a new front row, with Mana Otai replacing the suspended Kalau Fukofuka, but they look to have too much pace and class, especially in the backs, for a Taranaki side who are out of semifinal contention.

The curtainraiser is the preliminary semifinal of rugby league's National Provincial Cup between the Taranaki Sharks and Auckland North.

The doubleheader is believed to be the first time a first-class rugby league and rugby match will be played at the same venue on the same day.