Plenty of reason to try Ai'i in halfback role

By WYNNE GRAY

Sometime-Auckland utility Orene Ai'i does not have to look far for inspiration about switching to halfback.

Riki Flutey has been used in dual roles while Jon Preston made a success of it as an All Black.

Across the ditch, midfielder Matt Giteau has filled in as halfback while Daniel Carter was the nominated All Black reserve halfback during a World Cup game.

Ai'i's new provincial career only started this month.

It began with the Ranfurly Shield defence against Poverty Bay but today he moves to a new level in the NPC meeting with Northland in Whangarei.

The first game was very much an experiment, part of a plan to ease Ai'i into life as a halfback. The scheme was advanced a number of notches after David Gibson was concussed in the Shield loss to Bay of Plenty.

"Just after Super 12 I sat down with Pat [Lam] and he saw me at nine. He gave me a couple of weeks to think about it but I came back earlier than he expected," Ai'i said.

"But over the past couple of years a few people have hinted that I should start thinking about halfback. It has always been in the back of my mind but I guess I was too stubborn to change."

Despite a small 1.73m, 80kg stature, which suggested Ai'i was a perfect fit for halfback, he had scarcely played that position. He remembered just one game in his first year out of school for his Otahuhu club against Suburbs.

"It was not too good, Mark Birtwistle just nailed me every single time at the bottom of rucks or hands came round and upset the passing," he said.

However Ai'i's extraordinary acceleration and footwork delivered him an Auckland debut six years ago and New Zealand A selection in 2000.

He bounced between fullback, five-eighths and wing but never settled in one job. Serious shoulder injuries also hindered his progress.

When Lam came with the proposal about a positional change this year, Ai'i agreed. It made sense, especially with Steve Devine injured and out for the season.

"He's one of the most talented and skilful players in world rugby," Lam said.

"It's a great opportunity but I didn't want to force him. I said if he wants to do it, he has to go the whole way. He can't play a bit of 10 and fullback as well."

Ai'i played a few more games for his Otahuhu club and has worked hard on quick distribution.

"I think the key for me is getting to the breakdowns as quick as I can and then making the right decision," he said.

The 24-year-old knows if he continues to distribute, he will also hold tacklers who are aware of his ability to crack any defence.

Ai'i's duel with Northland scrumhalf John Senio and his ability to direct an NPC match will be one of the interests today in Whangarei.

Another will be the impact of Northland import five-eighths Julian Huxley.

* Northland vs Auckland, Whangarei, today 5.35pm

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