Ai'i eyeing All Blacks from Ranfurly Shield defence

By CHRIS RATTUE

Orene Ai'i has switched to halfback in a bid to become an All Black.

The gifted 24-year-old utility and sevens exponent begins his new career in the Ranfurly Shield defence against Poverty Bay at Eden Park today.

Since his 1998 provincial debut, the lightweight Ai'i has been shunted around first five-eighths, wing and fullback, struggling to find his game in the NPC and Super 12.

New Auckland coach Pat Lam offered Ai'i the career switch, competing with halfbacks David Gibson and Craig McGrath.

Lam said: "Orene has converted to halfback. That is his position.

"With Steve Devine out for the season, there's a lack of depth at halfback, in Auckland and New Zealand.

"I spoke to Orene about his future after the Super 12 because he wants to be an All Black. He's one of the most talented and skilful players in world rugby.

"It's a great opportunity but I didn't want to force him. I said if he wants to do it, he has to go the whole way. He can't play a bit of 10 and fullback as well. He came back four days later and said. 'Yes'.

"He'll handle the physical stuff and he offers a very good pass both ways. One of the most important jobs is to clear the ball quickly, particularly if you've got good backs."

Lam is also giving former All Black lock Bradley Mika the chance to spread his wings, starting him at No 8. He will swap with lock Angus Macdonald at halftime today.

Though Mika will primarily be a lock for Auckland, Lam says the new All Black regime wants lineout leapers in the position so versatility will give Mika and Macdonald better test chances.

Lam said he would allow All Blacks to opt out of the NPC because he only wanted players totally dedicated to the cause. "I don't want to burden the All Blacks. It's a long season and they still have the end-of-year tour," he said.

"[Assistants] Shane Howarth, Frank Bunce and myself know what it's like. At the moment they say they are keen but there are two more physical tests to go, so we'll see after that.

"Even if they want to play, I'll look at it case by case and see how the guy who has been playing has been going. "They can have a brief holiday, or the whole NPC off if they want. We're preparing the squad as if there will be no All Blacks, and if we get one then it's a bonus."

Apart from Nathan Kemp and Ben Atiga, players from the Ponsonby v Grammar Carlton Gallaher Shield final are not included today.

Little-used All Blacks Mose Tuiali'i, Sam Tuitupou and replacement Ali Williams may play against Counties Manukau on Sunday, after which a 26-man NPC squad is named.

* Auckland vs Poverty Bay, Eden Park, today 2.35pm