By CHRIS RATTUE
Firebrand forward Troy Flavell has emerged as the hot tip for the Blues captaincy after he was again named as North Harbour's leader, for their final match of the season against Taranaki.
This year's Blues captain Glenn Taylor returns from injury for Northland as they seek to avoid the
promotion-relegation game, when they play Southland in Invercargill on Sunday.
But Taylor's time as a Super 12 player may be over. No matter what his credentials are as a dedicated public favourite, there is little doubt on this year's form that his career is past its peak. At the least, he will not command a regular Super 12 place.
Halfback Mark Robinson started the season as North Harbour's captain, but concussion and a knee injury have cut into his campaign.
And North Harbour coach Russell Jones yesterday dropped a minor bombshell when he put Robinson on the bench, and reinstated Flavell as captain, for tomorrow's match in New Plymouth.
Jones said he wanted to promote the Super 12 chances of halfback Billy Fulton, the ex-Harbour player who is on loan from Canterbury. Fulton has done a sterling job during Robinson's absences, and has been rewarded with a start in the mid-table battle.
After a disrupted season, it can hardly be the sort of NPC finale that All Black Robinson would want, especially as Super 12 selections come into focus.
Sources said yesterday that Blues coach Peter Sloane had made it clear to North Harbour that their disappointing season had placed their selections in jeopardy.
Auckland have also signalled they are in revival mode, with young players such as lock Ali Williams emerging as genuine prospects. Most significantly, Auckland - unlike North Harbour - have remained in semifinals contention.
If, as expected, Taylor is no longer a Blues captaincy option, then Robinson, Flavell and Auckland's indestructible Xavier Rush - who has proved a fine leader in a rebuilt team - are the contenders.
And Flavell, a Super 12 selection certainty at lock or more probably blindside flanker, must have the edge.
Meanwhile, Waikato have left captain Deon Muir on the bench for what is expected to be an easy victory over Bay of Plenty in Rotorua tomorrow.