Rugby: Waikato making capital out of history

By Chris Rattue

Wellington's last shield challenge was hardly a highlight in the playing career of Waikato coach Kiwi Searancke.

Wellington will aim to make it three out of three shield challenge successes in Hamilton, when they take on Waikato at Rugby Park on Saturday.

They lifted the shield with a 22-4 win in Hamilton in 1981, after Searancke's propping partner Paul Koteka was sent off in the first half for allegedly kicking Wellington prop Scott Crichton.

"Wellington started brilliantly that day and we lost Bam Bam in the first half, but in all honesty the way they played I don't think we would have won with 15 men," said Searancke.

"I understand Wellington have never lost a shield challenge in Hamilton, which should give them a bit of added confidence, especially as they beat us last year."

Wellington's only other Hamilton challenge was in 1953 when an All Black-laden team won 9-6.

The 1981 Wellington team was a star-studded one, especially in the backline which included Stu Wilson, Bernie Fraser, Allan Hewson, Jamie Salmon and Tu Wyllie, plus a pack based around test props Crichton and Brian McGrattan and number eight Murray Mexted.

They held the shield for just four defences before they fell to a Canterbury raid, which began a record-setting 25 defences by the Red and Blacks. It is the last time Wellington held the shield, and their last challenge was against Canterbury in 1995.

The Wellington side that challenges this Saturday has nothing like the reputation of their 1981 counterparts, and they appear to be on the familiar roller-coaster form ride which has beset their rugby for so long.

The match will be vital to Wellington's NPC hopes - they are in fifth place, five points adrift of Waikato and Canterbury with four rounds remaining.

Wellington began the season by getting hammered at Eden Park, snuck a one-point win over North Harbour when they had enough opportunities to win by 20, scored a good win over Counties Manukau, lost to struggling Northland, then beat Taranaki in New Plymouth.

"I've watched them play two very good games. They have a good forward pack and reasonably quick backs," said Searancke.

Searancke is hopeful that lock Mark Cooksley (neck), captain and number eight Deon Muir (leg bruising) and prop Paul Martin (ribs) will be fit for the 14th defence of the shield, while Todd Miller - who missed the last round because he does not play on Sundays - will also be back.

Wellington expect to have a full squad to choose from with halfback Jason Spice, who played for Waikato last season, returning from suspension. Wing Ali Koko, who had a dislocated elbow, and flanker Dallas Seymour, who has not appeared this season, are expected to challenge for places in the 22.