Lowen's call-up adds to disarray

Waikato's hopes for a settled lead-up to today's game against Taranaki were dashed by events beyond their control.

The latest distraction was having centre Keith Lowen called across to join the All Blacks in Sydney to cover for Tana Umaga, whose partner's brother died on Thursday night.

Earlier, Waikato had lost prop Deacon Manu to a two-week suspension for reckless use of his feet in the match against Wellington last Sunday, and loose forwards Deon Muir and Jonno Gibbes to injuries picked up in the same game. And the other flanker, Scott Couch, has been unable to train because of a stiff back.

Coach Kiwi Searancke said the challenge now was to put aside all the distractions and maintain focus on the clash with a team desperate to get away from the relegation zone after three straight losses.

"It hasn't been an easy week, but we've got to be careful we don't lose sight of our main aim, which is to play Taranaki," Searancke said.

"Taranaki have in the past taken it to us up front, and backed themselves to do that. They're in a corner at the moment, but I have a lot of respect for their coaching staff."

Waikato, who last year lost to Taranaki as the latter went on to the semifinals, have made strides in scrummaging, lineout play and general urgency.

But Searancke remains unhappy with his forwards' work at the kickoff and said the error rate had to be reduced.

Matt Priscott is ready to start at centre - assuming Umaga decides to play and Waikato cannot get Lowen back to Hamilton in time.

Taranaki have gone back to a more conventional forward line-up. Paul Tito has shifted back from blindside flanker to lock, Brent Thompson goes to the blindside and Neil Crowley returns at openside from the team who dominated Auckland in several areas last week, but not on the scoreboard.

Failure to win today will leave Taranaki with a mountain to climb to get back into semifinal contention.

They had started the competiton as one of the favourites.

- NZPA