NPC campaign hard for stars, says Otago coach

By CHRIS RATTUE

Otago co-coach Wayne Graham says the job of firing up test players for the NPC is easier said than done.

The NPC is still waiting for the two South Island heavyweights, Otago and Canterbury, to hit dominant form, although both are still handily placed to take their expected positions in the semifinals.

Otago, who face a major test tomorrow at home against high-flying Waikato, have kept All Blacks loose forward Sam Harding on the bench and hooker Tom Willis is at least another week away from returning because of a neck injury.

Mark Ranby makes his return on the bench for Waikato and David Hill gets his first start.

Coach Ian Foster has chosen to give flanker Marty Holah, who he rates as the best No 7 in the NPC, a break on the bench. Scott Couch will take Holah's starting place.

Otago have only a handful of test players in contrast to Canterbury, but Graham said it was still difficult blending them back in.

"Canterbury's problem is much bigger than ours ... I do actually feel for Canterbury because of that although I'm hoping for our sake they don't suddenly explode," he said. "Our side has played a lot of rugby already, one way or other ... then you've got to get them all back together.

"If it's not the All Blacks or the Maori team, then our players always seem to be coming back from other teams, and the All Blacks in particular have returned from a very intense campaign.

"You've just got to give them a bit of space. They gradually come right and it is a time thing but a week or two just isn't enough. Physically and mentally they say they're okay but the reality is different."

Graham said he hoped tomorrow's match would find his Otago team had finally hit their straps.

"It's a big test for us although I said that before last week's game against North Harbour.

This is a game where we will be able to gauge where we're at," he said.

Waikato midfield back Ranby has been sidelined since dislocating a shoulder during the opening round win over Southland.

Keith Lowen's form at second five-eighths has created a new option for Foster, but he is keen to give the brief All Black a "decent run" tomorrow.

Hill aggravated his groin problem against Southland, and returned off the bench against Wellington last week. However, Bruce Reihana will continue as goalkicker against Otago.

Meanwhile, North Harbour have moved Troy Flavell to lock for the injured Matt Lord against Northland in Whangarei tomorrow night.

That means speedy flankers Matua Parkinson and Craig Newby both start. And coach Russell Jones will start Australian Tim Walsh at first five-eighths, with Luke McAlister moving to centre.

Northland are almost certain to be without captain Glenn Taylor (knee) while fellow lock Nisifolo Naufahu is in doubt. Fullback Hayden Taylor will be captain.