Lam switches Atiga and Muliaina to suit All Black selectors

By WYNNE GRAY


More clues about the All Black selectors' thoughts for the end of year tour emerged yesterday with Mils Muliaina and Ben Atiga swapping positions for Auckland's final NPC match.

Graham Henry suggested last week he would like to see the versatile Daniel Carter get some time at first five-eighths and there was further evidence yesterday about the coach's backline ideas.

Atiga has been a regular midfielder for Auckland this season, and Muliaina at fullback since his return from All Black duty.

Making the alteration was no drama for Auckland coach Pat Lam because his side had missed the playoffs and Friday's match against Otago is their final fixture.

"They were very keen to see the changes and that was no problem for us because they [Muliaina and Atiga] have done it for the Blues and Auckland in the past," Lam said.

"They are both comfortable there so we were happy to accommodate them."

Lam said there was little indication from the national selectors whether they were more interested in the positional swap for Muliaina or Atiga.

There were no other requests, not even a suggestion that test wing Joe Rokocoko start the Eden Park match.

Another All Black, lock Ali Williams, is missing because of the recurring effects of a concussion he suffered in an early NPC round, and a foot injury has left Kees Meeuws in the reserves.

Meanwhile, chief executive David White admitted Auckland had inadequate coaching succession plans although he endorsed Pat Lam as a "calculated investment".

A review of Auckland's failed NPC campaign will start next week after the province finished outside the top four for only the third time since the competition started in 1976.

No matter the result on Friday, Auckland will finish in seventh place and Otago eighth to complete unsatisfactory seasons for both.

It has been a torrid introduction to NPC coaching for Lam, assistant Shane Howarth and defence coach Frank Bunce.

The coaches were on two-year contracts with annual reviews.

* Sanzar chief executive Chris Moller expects a reply from News Ltd this week about the proposals for an expanded Super 14 and Tri-Nations schedule in 2006.

Auckland v Otago

Ben Atiga, Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina, Sam Tuitupou, Brent Ward, Carlos Spencer, David Gibson, Xavier Rush (capt), Daniel Braid, Jerome Kaino, Angus Macdonald, Bradley Mika, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Saimone Taumoepeau. Reserves: Nathan Kemp, Kees Meeuws, Mose Tuiali'i, Sione Lauaki, Orene Ai'i, Tasesa Lavea, Joe Rokocoko.

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