Lam happy to defend NPC without All Blacks

By CHRIS RATTUE

Auckland coach Pat Lam is adamant that he is prepared to defend the NPC title without any current All Blacks.

The new Auckland boss named his first NPC squad yesterday, and has put himself in the forefront of the battle to get top-line players adequate rest.

The reality, as Lam concedes, is that Auckland's All Blacks will want to take at least some part in the NPC, if only for the reason that absence makes a rival's future stronger. But Lam says returning All Blacks will not be automatic selections.

Lam, who played one test for the All Blacks in 1992, said protecting the interests of current test players under this system would depend on good communication with the All Black coaches.

"I'm very pleased with the balance of the squad I have named and would be quite happy to go through the whole of the NPC with those 26.

"This is not like an ultimatum to the All Blacks ... I've been in the situation of playing for 10 or 11 months of the year. It's very difficult - player burnout - and that message is even coming from the Players' Association.

"The competition review has brought this in and what I'm saying is that instead of doing it in 2006, I'm bringing it forward to 2004.

"There has been a situation over the last five to seven years of pro rugby where players are tired, but they are made to play. The players don't say anything because they feel like they have to play.

"If they are really tired - and I'd imagine they will be - there's no compulsion for them to play for us. And there is the end-of-year tour to come.

"The aim is to help them out, and ultimately it will help New Zealand rugby. We want the All Blacks to be strong."

Auckland will begin their campaign without Malili Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Sam Tuitupou, Carlos Spencer, Xavier Rush, Mose Tuiali'i, Ali Williams, Kees Meeuws and Keven Mealamu.

The return of former All Black forward Charles Riechelmann, who has been playing in Japan, is one of the features of the squad.

The Auckland newcomers are:

* James Somerset, 19: Specialist wing who won world titles with the New Zealand under-19 and 21s, although he didn't play in the Colts final against Ireland. Marist under-21s. Extremely quick, although he goes against the trend in being a lightweight 79kg.

* Tevita Tu'ifua, 28: Tongan World Cup player from the Te Papapa Onehunga club. Tu'ifua, a club utility, scored four tries on the wing against Poverty Bay.

* Murray Williams, 22: Goalkicking first five-eighths who helped guide Ponsonby to the club title. With Carlos Spencer on test duty, Williams will start as cover for Tasesa Lavea.

* Jerome Kaino, 21: New Zealand Colt who played four games for the Blues. The only loose forward who plays all three positions.

* Joseph Tekori, 20: Tall, powerful 118kg blindside loose forward who might be a star in the making. Returned to action in June after a 14-month suspension for a damaging punch during a club game. Impressed the Auckland coaches with his training dedication, despite also holding down a job.

* Cameron Jowitt, 20: Rugby and cricket standout at Kings College, captaining the first XV and XI. A middle of the lineout specialist, who will back-up Bryce Williams in the absence of Ali Williams.

* Saimone Taumoepeau, 24: Brother of former Blues and Chiefs prop Tevita Taumoepeau. Loosehead, who played an Auckland trial game against Northland two years ago. At 105kg he is relatively small, but a devastating scrummager.

* Semisi Telefoni, 21: Selection may have been helped by the injury to hooker Derren Witcombe. But Telefoni was already under strong consideration especially as he, unusually, plays all three front-row positions.

Auckland squad

Backs: Brent Ward, Isa Nacewa, Tony Koonwaiyou, Tevita Tu'ifua, James Somerset, Ben Atiga, Iliesa Tanivula, Tasesa Lavea, Murray Williams, David Gibson, Orene Ai'i;

Forwards: Sione Lauaki, Daniel Braid, Jerome Kaino, Joseph Tekori, Angus Macdonald, Bradley Mika, Bryce Williams, Charles Riechelmann, Cameron Jowitt, Nick White, Soane Tonga'uiha, Saimone Taumoepeau, John Afoa, Nathan Kemp, Semesi Telefoni.