Loyalty repaid as Duggan hits 100

By CHRIS RATTUE

Rhys Duggan will join the list of Waikato centurions when the Mooloo men take on Otago in Hamilton tomorrow night.

Duggan has won the nod ahead of Isaac Boss for the critical match, in which leaders Otago could get a decent jump on the Air New Zealand NPC field if they can beat second-placed Waikato.

Duggan will become the 21st player to reach a century of games for Waikato, and coach Ian Foster has paid tribute to the halfback, saying he has been a vital ingredient in Waikato teams for many years.

Duggan, a brief All Black, and Boss appear to be in a constant duel for the starting position these days.

Duggan, once the supreme opportunist, is more of a guiding hand these days and particularly strong on cover defence, while it is Boss who is the more dangerous with ball in hand.

"They bring different attitudes to the game," said Foster, adding it would be a case of wait and see as to whether one or other emerged as the No 1 halfback this season.

Foster said: "Rhys is a real fighter. It's not every day a player reaches 100 games and it's a huge moment in a player's career.

"The standards he's set have been very important for Isaac. Rhys means a lot to this team.

"There was no sentiment in the selection but there are a few guys in this game who have played a number of games together. They have the chance to show how much Rhys means to them - it's a bit of a family thing."

Included in the starters is Fiji captain Greg Smith, playing his penultimate game of the year for Waikato before returning to the Fiji World Cup squad.

Waikato had an injury scare last night when wing Loki Crichton pulled out of training with a thigh injury, although the medical staff believed he was a 90 per cent chance to play.

Waikato: Todd Miller, Matt Priscott, Regan King, Keith Lowen, Loki Crichton, David Hill, Rhys Duggan; Steven Bates, Scott Couch, Jono Gibbes (c), Keith Robinson, Chresten Davis, Deacon Manu, Greg Smith, Michael Collins. Res: Scott Linklater, David Briggs, Dave Duley, Wayne McEntee; Isaac Boss, Derek Maisey, Sosene Anesi.

Otago: Willie Walker, Matt Saunders, Neil Brew, Seilala Mapusua, Brad Fleming, Tony Brown, Danny Lee; Sam Harding, Josh Blackie, Kelvin Middleton (c), Peter Bowden, Filipo Levi, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Joe McDonnell. Res: Tom Willis, Ben Nolan, Warren Smith, Grant Webb; Toby Morland, Ryan Nicholas, Glen Horton.