Air New Zealand Cup preview: Waikato vs North Harbour, Today, 4.35pm
The lowdown: Fresh from claiming the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in their 21-year history, the North Harbour players might not be so fresh after celebrating their historic victory over Canterbury. Street parades, civic receptions, singing their
own Harbour song - it's been a crazy week.
At stake today, though, is the possibility of a home semifinal (both already have a home quarter-final) and a quarter-final against a repechage opponent. Both have 31 points and the winner will take a big step towards making the final four.
Waikato welcome Mils Muliaina, in his first game for his new province (and at fullback), while Byron Kelleher will start at halfback. Lock Keith Robinson suffered no ill-effects from his first major game since 2003 and gets another start, while Sione Lauaki's punishment for punching Auckland's Roimata Hansell-Pune last weekend doesn't extend to him being overlooked for a starting jersey.
Look out for: Liam Messam. The loose forward went into this weekend's round as joint-top try scorer with Tasman's Peter Playford with six and should get some time off the bench.
What we think: Waikato are in great form and should beat a Harbour side that might struggle to back up from the euphoria of claiming the Shield.
Form - Waikato: W, D, W, W; Harbour: W, W, W, L.
Waikato - Mils Muliaina, Roy Kinikinilau, Richard Kahui, Dwayne Sweeney, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Byron Kelleher, Sione Lauaki, Marty Holah, Steven Bates (c), Jono Gibbes, Keith Robinson, Nathan White, Scott Linklater, Craig West. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Ted Tauroa, Toby Lynn, Liam Messam, Brendon Leonard, Loki Crichton, Roger Randle.
North Harbour - George Pisi, Vili Waqaseduadua, Anthony Tuitavake, Rua Tipoki (c), Rudi Wulf, Luke McAlister, James Rodley, Nick Williams, Regan Tamihere, Anthony Boric, Greg Rawlinson, Doug Fletcher, Mike Noble, James Hinchco, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Ngarimu Simpkins, Adrian Donald/Michael Reid, Ryan Wilson, Viliame Ma'afu, Junior Poluleuligaga, Tusi Pisi, Zar Lawrence.
