Newby playing it cool

This week's NPC final will rank as the highlight in Craig Newby's career. It will just edge out making his All Black debut last season.

That's not necessarily so surprising. The paying public may not get themselves in a lather about the NPC these days but the players still believe a final appearance holds enough kudos to compete for emotional space with test caps.

But it's a wonder Newby doesn't list Otago's astonishing semifinal win - they were paying $6.25 at the TAB - as his greatest moment. Because on Friday night at Jade Stadium Newby managed to do something on a rugby field that only George Smith and Schalk Burger have managed before - he got the better of Richie McCaw. Comprehensively outplayed him in fact.

Yet there is no danger of Newby giving his own performance prominent space in his scrapbook. It was all about the team, and anyway, it will count for nothing unless Otago can reproduce their heroics on Saturday.

"We have already started thinking about next week and anything less than what we showed against Canterbury will be disappointing," said Newby.

"It won't be hard for us to get up next week. We will have a pretty light training week and relax again. We were fourth on the ladder so we will be underdogs."

It might be wishful thinking when Newby says Otago will be underdogs. They were in control at the lineout, won the battle for the loose ball and had aggression on defence.

They looked formidable, as did Newby himself who will surely give the All Black selectors an awful headache if he plays as well in the final.

The 25-year-old Newby was only a whisker from making the first All Black squad of the year.

He started in the Probables at the All Black trial but head coach Graham Henry felt Newby didn't quite nail it on the night.

The Otago captain provided an emphatic riposte at Jade. His speed to the breakdown was impressive and his work when he got there was effective.

Not that anyone should be surprised. Newby has consistently shown himself to be one of the best forwards in New Zealand at competing for loose ball on the ground.

The intensity of the semifinal and combative nature of McCaw enabled him to squeeze out that little bit extra. Whether it was enough to force his way into the All Black tour party to the UK is not something that will unduly worry him. He would love to go, of course he would, but he'll sleep well waiting for the squad to be announced.

"It is in the back of your mind that you would like to go on tour," said Newby. "I have been reading Anton's [Oliver] book as most people have and he says a few times in there that the best you can do is tour with the All Blacks. So I would love to do it. I have got the final to focus on and obviously winning teams get guys in the All Blacks.

"I think for a New Zealander playing rugby, the NPC final is the biggest event you can play in. The public might be saturated with rugby, people get it rammed down their throats, but for us it is your province, it is your home, it is your family and who you play for. To be in the top two in New Zealand is pretty special."

The final will also be All Black judgement day for Otago lock Tom Donnelly. Like Newby, he turned in a huge game, making his more illustrious opponent, Chris Jack, look quite timid.

Donnelly was aggressive at the lineout, putting pressure on Canterbury's jumpers and Corey Flynn's darts arm, as well as scampering about with a lot of purpose.

The All Blacks are likely to take four locks, with Jack, Ali Williams and James Ryan certain to travel.

If the selectors were edging towards Canterbury's Kevin O'Neill as many suspected, they may now be rethinking. Donnelly was the man who stood up and a repeat effort this Saturday will make him hard to leave out.

Donnelly will be helped no end by the fact Newby said Otago will again be aggressive at the lineout, where they will strategically target opposition ball.

"If the opposition get 80 per cent or 90 per cent of the ball then they are going to score a lot of tries," he said. "We put pressure on them and there were a few not straights and we stole a few as well. It was a definite ploy.

"We have got James Ryan calling the shots and it is strategic when we go up and when we don't. We will look at our lineout for next week and see where we can improve."

One man who won't be able to improve much is halfback Chris Smylie. The 23-year-old scored a stunning solo try in the first half and then grabbed another late in the second, as he showed he has strength to complement his blistering speed.

An All Black bolter? Absolutely - next year.

Canterbury 22

(B. Blair, R. McCaw, S. Hamilton tries; D. Carter 2 cons, pen).

Otago 37

(C. Smylie (2), C. Newby, J. Blackie, C. Clare tries; N. Evans 3 cons, 2 pens).