Revamped backline for log defence

Young co-captain Aaron Mauger will be on the substitutes' bench to rest a hamstring strain as Canterbury bid to extend a proud unbeaten record against Taranaki in tonight's Ranfurly Shield defence in Christchurch.

Canterbury have not lost to the amber-and-blacks since 1978 when Taranaki boasted All Blacks such as Graham Mourie.

Mauger picked up the injury last week and Canterbury coach Steve Hansen wants to give him time to get it right before he plays again.

The return of All Blacks Greg Somerville and Leon MacDonald and the resting of Mauger are the features of the run-on XV.

Mauger's absence has prompted a mini backline reshuffle.

Nathan Mauger will move to second five-eighths from centre and left wing Caleb Ralph will take over at centre.

MacDonald returns at fullback, meaning last week's shield-saving hero Ben Blair will shift to the right wing in place of Marika Vunibaka.

Somerville, 23, has come off the substitutes' bench for the NPC first division leader's last two outings against Counties Manukau and Wellington.

Versatile veteran David Hewett has done a fine job as the scrum anchor in Somerville's absence, but Hansen has decided to reverse their roles tonight.

"We're giving Dave a bit of a breather because he's worked very hard and Greg has freshened up. We'll be using Dave off the bench."

Somerville impressed as a second-half substitute against Wellington, but he has appreciated being eased back into action.

Canterbury's forwards laid the platform for the spectacular shield comeback against Wellington last weekend.

Todd Blackadder and his buddies will have to match that effort against a typically tough eight, led by Taranaki's Toddy - captain Andy Slater.

"We've got to be on our game and perform, otherwise they will take it away," Hansen said.

"There are some good players in the Taranaki side."

The Taranaki backline has been firing this season, led by former Canterbury fullback Daryl Lilley, who has scored seven NPC tries.

Last Saturday's sensational 31-29 win over Wellington has now been consigned to the memory banks.

Hansen said Canterbury's total focus was on Taranaki.

"It was a great day, but it's behind us now," Hansen said.

"If we're still looking back on that we will fall over."

Taranaki have won the Ranfurly Shield four times. They last claimed the log in 1996 when they beat Auckland, 42-39.

Andy Slater's side successfully defended the shield against North Harbour before losing to Waikato, 40-19.

Slater, Lilley and flanker Neil Crowley - younger brother of assistant-coach Kieran Crowley - were in the 1996 team.

Canterbury prop Greg Feek also played for Taranaki that day.

"It would be great to revisit those times, and there's a lot of will in the team," Taranaki coach Colin Cooper said.

While he acknowledged Canterbury were "a great team," he said Taranaki were "excited by the challenge."

"We're going down there to give our best shot and if we can retain the ball and cut down our errors, then we're in for a show."

Taranaki's confidence will be boosted by a 55-22 win over Counties-Manukau last week. "It was a really good effort up front and we were able to get ball to the backs, who created some good tries," Cooper said.

Canterbury and Taranaki have clashed six times for the shield since 1914. Canterbury have won three, Taranaki two and the 1934 encounter was drawn 15-15, but Canterbury kept the shield.

- NZPA