Broomhall steps up for shield defence

Canterbury's latest All Black, Sam Broomhall, is one of four past or present test players in the province's starting XV for their Ranfurly Shield defence against Mid Canterbury in Ashburton today.

Broomhall, who made his debut against South Africa in the Tri-Nations test in Wellington last Saturday, has returned to captain Canterbury against their second division opponents.

Fullback Ben Blair, centre Nathan Mauger and loosehead prop Greg Feek are Broomhall's fellow All Blacks in the side.

Midfield back Daryl Gibson, who played for Canterbury against Marlborough in last week's shield defence in Blenheim, will stay with the All Black squad for their four-day camp in Nelson.

Gibson is part of the 26-man Tri-Nations squad, whereas Blair and Broomhall were called into the national squad as cover for the injured Leon MacDonald and Taine Randell.

Canterbury have made four changes to the team who started against Marlborough.

Joe Naufahu, usually a midfielder, replaces the injured Joe Maddock on the right wing, New Zealand Colts reps Dan Carter and Cameron McIntyre come in for Gibson and Charlie Hore respectively, and New Zealand under-19 captain Ti'i Paulo has replaced hooker Laurence Corlett.

Broomhall expected strong forward exchanges, which were typical of Mid Canterbury teams, and for the hosts to throw everything they could at the shield holders.

"They will give it their all, there's no doubt about that. They are not to be taken lightly."

Broomhall said that with 16 players out of the squad, players such as himself had to step up and lead from the front for the young Canterbury side.

But the number of young and aspiring players also added an edge to the team. They had the chance to show themselves to selectors and push for further NPC selection later in the season or next year.

Rookie lock Matt Dalzell did not have to look too far for rugby inspiration in his younger days.

His uncle was one of Canterbury's All Black props, Alister Hopkinson, a menacing figure on the field and a mellow man off it.

Hopkinson played 35 times for New Zealand and 100 games for the province before becoming Canterbury's assistant coach in 1989 and 1990, and chief coach in 1992. He died of cancer at the age of 57 in 1999.

Dalzell and fellow newcomer Daniel Turner will lock the Canterbury scrum for the second time. They both made their debuts against Marlborough.

Dalzell said his respect for "Uncle Hop" was not so much through any hands-on or technical help, it was more about his personality.

"It was just his character. Hoppy being Hoppy, he was a top guy."

Dalzell, 24, has agility to match his ability, which does not surprise, considering most of his rugby has been as a loose forward or sometimes at No 8.

Mid Canterbury, who beat South Canterbury 34-11 in Timaru last week, will name their team today.

Canterbury: Ben Blair, Joe Naufahu, Nathan Mauger, Scott Hamilton, Dan Carter, Cameron McIntyre, Ben Hurst, Sam Broomhall (capt), Johnny Leo'o, Daniel Turner, Matt Dalzell, Trevor Brown, Campbell Johnstone, Ti'i Paulo, Greg Feek. Reserves: David Hoani, Charlie Hore, Corey Tamou, Rhys Williams, Andrew Morgan, Chris King, Laurence Corlett.

- NZPA