Jackson shines in outclassed Steamers side

By CHRIS RATTUE

Bay of Plenty's brilliant pivot Glen Jackson will seek a release from the Saracens if he makes the All Blacks' end of year tour.

And the Steamers also believe assistant coach Joe Schmidt - the new Blues assistant - will return next season despite objections from Auckland.

Although Bay of Plenty was dealt a heavy 44-12 NPC semifinal defeat by Canterbury - who will play Wellington in Saturday night's final in the capital - Jackson again impressed with limited opportunities in an outclassed side.

He found holes in the Canterbury defence, laid on a marvellous set-piece try for Anthony Tahana and created another for the wing with a double-around move in tricky conditions.

Jackson's situation is complicated because although he is automatically available for the All Black matches against Italy, Wales, France and the Barbarians, he would then be due to take up his contract with the London club. He can join them sooner if he misses the All Black tour.

All Black great Grant Fox is among those who believe Jackson's impending move, which puts him out of the All Black picture, means there is little point in considering him for this tour, which will help prepare the side for the Lions in June and July.

Jackson burst into test calculations by leading the Steamers into the semifinals. He is an ace goalkicker and a revelation in a position where Andrew Mehrtens is the only vastly experienced and available contender for this tour.

The 29-year-old Jackson, with 60 Super 12 games, said "finer points" of his one-year Saracens contract were unclear but he would probably need their goodwill.

"If I'm lucky enough to be selected, I'd certainly be working as hard as I could to stay here," he said.

"I would love to be able to stay and play in the Super 12 again if that's the case. It would come down to working something out.

"And with half of their season finished as well, it would be interesting to see where Saracens stand on it."

Bay coach Vern Cotter believes Wayne Ormond and Jackson are still "worthy" All Black candidates and should be given their chance in higher company.

"Okay, we got well beaten in the semi, but we didn't get there by winning a lottery," said Cotter.

"I don't know what's in Glen's contract but I think they are investigating all the avenues in case he wins selection.

"I thought he played very well ... if you go through what he did with the ball he was very accurate. His defence was perceived as a weakness but he has really improved this year."

A disappointed but proud Bay of Plenty hope they will remain intact with Jackson and Schmidt candidates to return. Jackson described Schmidt as "brilliant" and Cotter heaped praise on him.

"There's a strong possibility Joe will be back ... it's only an issue with Auckland and I'd like to think they will be reasonable about it," said Cotter, who is set to join the Crusaders but remain as the Steamers' coach.

"It's important that Joe continue to coach Bay of Plenty and in the NPC ... the Blues see no conflict of interest. We need to keep the momentum going."

Meanwhile, Jackson predicted a Canterbury victory in the final, saying captain Richie McCaw would be one of the differences.

"Wellington are playing well but Canterbury are hitting their straps at the right time. Canterbury's class will be too good for them," said Jackson.

"You can't say enough about Richie McCaw. "I reckon he's worth 10 points to any team."


* Final

Wellington v Canterbury, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, 7.35pm, Saturday

* Promotion/relegation

Northland v Nelson Bays, Trafalgar Park, Nelson, 2.35pm, Saturday


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