Mooloos look to Robinson in decisive clash

By GORDON GILLAN

Influential lock Keith Robinson returns to the Waikato line-up against Bay of Plenty in Hamilton today after missing the past two games with a back injury.

Coach Ian Foster will be hoping Robinson's inclusion can help spark a victory after two away defeats without him.

He partners Sean Hohneck, with former Bay of Plenty second-rower Dave Duley on the bench. Chresten Davis misses out. Skipper Jono Gibbes missed Thursday's training run with a tight calf muscle but should play.

In the backs, Derek Maisey starts at first-five. David Hill was selected on the bench only for a hip injury to rule him out. Todd Miller returns at fullback with Loki Crichton moving to the wing.

Filimoni Bolavucu makes his full debut for the Mooloo men after coming on as a substitute in the 24-13 loss to Southland.

Bay of Plenty lock Mark Sorenson misses out with a knee injury. The former NZ University representative has been impressive for the Steamers this season and, with Robinson back for Waikato, much will be expected from his replacement, John Moore.

Moore's inclusion is the only change to last week's Bay side who beat Auckland 32-25.

Both sides are on 20 points, and the winner will go some way towards securing a semifinal berth, although both teams face tough away games in their final NPC fixtures.

The Bay travel to Southland, while Waikato face North Harbour in Albany.

The incentive of winning a spot in next year's Chiefs squad adds spice to today's fixture.

Steamers' second-five and former Waikato player Grant McQuoid has been in scintillating form alongside Allan Bunting and their match-up in midfield against Keith Lowen and Regan King could be crucial in deciding the outcome.

McQuoid said the Bay had learned some valuable lessons from their past two wins, especially from their scoreless second half in the 42-27 win over Northland, which he missed with a rib injury.

"It was a disappointing display after such a good first half. We didn't play as a team, but we have learned from that."

The second-five is looking forward to coming up against friends such as Isaac Boss and Deacon Manu from his Waikato days, and insists the Steamers' focus will continue to be on a good team performance.

"Selection for the Chiefs has been mentioned, but [coach] Vern Cotter has stressed the need to play as a team first, which will then allow individuals to go well."

Bay of Plenty: Damon Kaui, Anthony Tahana, Allan Bunting, Grant McQuoid, Apoua Stewart, Glen Jackson, Kevin Senio, Clayton McMillan (capt), Nili Latu, Wayne Ormond, John Moore, Bernie Upton, Ben Castle, Aleki Lutui, Simms Davison. Res: Ngarimu Simpkins, Taufa'ao Filise, Paul Tupai, Rodney Voullaire, Kyle O'Brien, Nathan Strongman, Todd Blythe.

Waikato: Todd Miller, Filimoni Bolavucu, Regan King, Keith Lowen, Loki Crichton, Derek Maisey, Rhys Duggan, Steven Bates, Scott Couch, Jono Gibbes (capt), Keith Robinson, Sean Hohneck, Deacon Manu, Scott Linklater, David Briggs. Res: John Pareanga, Michael Collins, Dave Duley, Wayne McEntee, Isaac Boss, Dwayne Sweeney, Sosene Anesi.

Referee: Lyndon Bray (Wellington).

Kickoff: 5.35pm.

TV: Live on Sky Sport 1.

NPC points table