Otago up against 26-year jinx

By WYNNE GRAY

Auckland and Otago have found it difficult to tune in comprehensively for today's NPC clash at Eden Park.

Otago want to bust a 26-year jinx, and Auckland want to rethink some ideas; but unless there are some wacky results elsewhere this match is a little like marking time.

There are important issues from every match, but both provinces admit they are more apprehensive about their fortunes next weekend in the final NPC qualifying game.

That round is likely to see the winner of Auckland's game with Wellington also make the semifinals, while Otago's last match will double as a Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury.

Once that duel has been settled, the South Island powers are likely to be asked to slug it out again in one of the semifinals at a venue yet to be decided. An Otago win today would go a long way towards creating a Carisbrook advantage for that match.

It would also break the 26-year drought since Otago had their solitary NPC win against Auckland at Eden Park.

Co-coach Wayne Graham played in that match and, given the calibre of Otago players since, cannot understand the dearth of victories. Nor does he think it has created a mental block with the southerners.

"I would not think so, although we have to prove within the team we have the goods to do the business," he said. "It is a record we need to get rid of, and when you look through the team it does not make sense.

"I guess we also have the shield challenge in the back of our minds, but first things first. We have been a bit disappointed with our play - we would be hopeful there is more there, but until we prove that, we don't know."

With an eye on next weekend and the way they have played in the last few games, Auckland have made a few changes.

The most significant is the return of Carlos Spencer to first five-eighths from fullback where he made a strong impact in the first half of the series. It is a selection which has been made after a lengthy inspection of Lee Stensness.

"It has been done because Carlos has the extras we need for this stage of the season," coach Wayne Pivac said.

"He has pace for the position and he has a kicking game which will allow us to vary our game a bit more than we have been doing.

"From here on in, the competition defences get a lot stronger and you can't just run at them all day.

"Carlos is a class five-eighths and has been good at fullback, too, so we will see how this goes.

"Regardless of this match, it is a must-win next week against Wellington."

The five-eighths rearrangement allows Brent Ward his first start at fullback. He has speed and has been a consistent player for his club, the development side and Auckland when used as a sub.

Dave Gibson also gets a run at halfback against his old union, with Steve Devine rested after the battering he took last week against Waikato.

Another being given time to freshen is flanker Justin Collins, while Eroni Clarke is still troubled by a knee injury.

Auckland have to combat Otago up front today if they are to continue their home-town NPC record.

In the middle of that battle, Auckland hooker Keven Mealamu is one of the smaller men on the park but one of the doughtiest competitors.

After the Super 12 he broke his right arm, had a rod inserted but made it back for the start of the NPC.

He wears a protective guard and admitted to some pain and some difficulty with his setpiece work in the opening few games.

"I think there were some restrictions, but I have sorted that out now. I have blocked it out and we are starting to get things together," he said.

"I feel confident with my props round me, and we will want to pick it up against Kees' [Meeuws] old team.

"We were a bit rough against Canterbury in the scrums, but we have had a lot more work since. Losing some guys such as Robin Brooke and Charlie Riechelmann was tough in the tight five, but we are getting through that.

"I think our backs and loosies have had a better platform to work from. We all feel better about the way things have gone this year."

Auckland: Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina, Sam Tuitupou, Iliesa Tanivula, Carlos Spencer, David Gibson, Xavier Rush (capt), Daniel Braid, Angus MacDonald, Bradley Mika, Ali Williams or Bryce Williams, Kees Meeuws, Keven Mealamu, Nick White. Reserves: James Christian, Soane Tonga'uiha, Williams or Williams, Justin Collins, Steve Devine, Lee Stensness, Ben Atiga.

Otago: Neil Brew, Aisea Tuilevu, Ryan Nicholas, Seru Rabeni, Seilala Mapusua, Blair Feeney, Byron Kelleher, Taine Randell (capt), Josh Blackie, Simon Maling, Filipo Levi, Kelvin Middleton, Carl Hayman, Jason MacDonald, Joe McDonnell. Reserves: Danny Lee, Sam Young, Romi Ropati, Sam Harding, Peter Bowden, Carl Hoeft, Nick Fisher.