All eyes on Troy, but that's okay

By RICHARD BOOCK

Firebrand North Harbour forward Troy Flavell is learning to accept the extra scrutiny he is attracting on the rugby field.

The former All Black lock-cum-loosie says he has noticed an increase in the amount of niggle and gamesmanship directed his way since he returned from a three-month ban for stomping.

To add to his frustration, North Harbour have made a pedestrian start to the NPC race, losing their first two games, and need to beat Southland in Invercargill today to move out of last place.

Flavell, who lost all chance of making the All Blacks' World Cup squad when he was banned, said he was coping with the extra pressure created by his earlier indiscretions.

"I suppose there has been more attention, but it comes with the territory and you just have to live with it," he said yesterday.

"It's not worrying me because I'm also getting watched a lot closer by the referees and touch-judges. I just have to get on with my job.

"I'm coping with it, putting it out of my mind and just concentrating on the little tasks in front of me."

He is pleased with his fitness and reasonably satisfied with his form, and said it was just a matter of the entire side stepping up their performance before it was too late.

Harbour played dreadfully in their opening match against Bay of Plenty, and only marginally better against Auckland last weekend.

But Flavell said the mood in the camp this week had been positive.

"We all realise that we've got seven games left to turn this thing around and we're keen for that to start this weekend."

Harbour manager Kevin Grimble said yesterday that Ben Meyer would start at halfback, and new South African import Chad Alcock would be in the reserves.

Flavell said he expected a torrid contest from Southland because they would be playing on their own ground in Invercargill and in front of one of the most parochial crowds in the country.

Southland have also started the season with two losses - to Wellington and Otago - but have looked more cohesive than Harbour.

"We're going to get a strong performance from their forwards," Flavell predicted.

"They've got some elusive runners wider out, and in general we're expecting very passionate opponents and a very passionate crowd."

Southland: Graydon Staniforth, Mana Harrison, Gavin Williams, Sremaia Bai, Hayden Martine, Richard Apanui, Jimmy Cowan, Paul Miller, Ben Herring, Pita Wilson, Steve Jackson (capt), Hoani Macdonald, Brett Roberts, Jason Rutledge, Clarke Dermody. Res: David Hall, Keith Cameron, Roger Newell, Hale T-Pole, Jason Harrison, James Wilson, James Jowsey.

North Harbour: Tusi Pisi, Karl TeNana, Anthony Tuitavake, Andrew Mailei, Nick Evans, Luke McAlister, Ben Meyer, Ron Cribb (capt), Matua Parkinson, Troy Flavell, Marty Veale, Blair Larsen, Tevita Taumoepeau, Slade McFarland, Tony Woodcock. Res: Joe Ward, Peter Bielski, Francis Stowers, Johnny Taumoheloa, Chad Alcock, Rudy Wulf, Dan Parkinson.

Referee: Bryce Lawrence.

Kickoff: 5.35pm.