Rival unions wrangle over Manu factor

By WYNNE GRAY

Tighthead prop Deacon Manu is at the centre of another debate between Auckland and Waikato, but this one is not of his own making.

As the two teams prepared for today's Eden Park rerun of last year's NPC final, coaches Wayne Pivac and Ian Foster offered conflicting theories about Manu's impact.

There was no dispute about his physical prowess - that had been underlined during the contract dispute between the unions for the prop's labour.

Auckland's argument was more about the intellectual knowledge Manu gained about the team's style, tactics and strategies during his Super 12 season with the Blues.

"When he played with the Blues they used about 90 per cent of the things we do in the NPC so we have had to tweak things because of that," Pivac said. "Deacon will be aware of what we might be up to."

But Pivac also acknowledged that Waikato would have done extensive video analysis and technical homework on his side, just as all unions do in the Air New Zealand-sponsored NPC.

Whether Auckland were trying some sort of bluff or double-bluff by singling out Manu is open to interpretation.

Foster dismissed the tactical advantage notion with conviction.

"I have not gone into any detail with Deacon about what we might expect," he said.

"I just want him to concentrate on his own game."

"There is a lot of change between the Super 12 and the NPC, and with video analysis we have a strong picture of where other sides have strengths or weaknesses."

After his Blues stint, Manu had brought back different training attributes, but Waikato would continue to play the way that suited them, Foster said. They had made a slow start to the NPC. Three senior players from last season had left, and late injuries to Roger Randle, Mark Ranby and Tony Philp had created replacement problems.

Foster said the series would only get stronger, but he pinpointed this match as a significant marker for his side.

The daytime kick-off suited his side, especially if there was a chance of rain or wind. If bad weather happened at night it was frustrating for players and spectators, he said.

Auckland will be a little uneasy after defensive lapses cost them last week against Wellington.

A further loss at this halfway point of the competition would have them thinking a shade more about their chances of reaching the final four.

There is no doubting Auckland's attack, but lack of authority with the ball will expose them against talented attackers such as Keith Lowen, Regan King and Loki Crichton.

Waikato may look to the inside channels for their initial attacking thrusts, perhaps sensing a lack of defensive cohesion on the fringes and near Orene Ai'i.

They will also look to the variety that five-eighths David Hill can bring with his boot and running game.

Goalkicking could once more hold the key, with Hill and Crichton in dispute with Brent Ward.

Auckland: Ben Atiga, Iliesa Tanivula, Isa Nacewa, Tane Tuipolotu, Brent Ward, Orene Ai'i, David Gibson; Xavier Rush (capt), Justin Collins, Sione Lauaki, Angus Macdonald, Bryce Williams, John Afoa, Derren Witcombe, Nick White. Res: Richard Kirke, Scott Palmer, Bradley Mika, Craig de Goldi; Craig McGrath, Tasesa Lavea, Shannon Paku.

Waikato: Loki Crichton, Matt Priscott, Regan King, Keith Lowen, Sosene Anesi, David Hill, Isaac Boss; Steven Bates, Scott Couch, Jono Gibbes (capt), Keith Robinson, Dave Duley, Deacon Manu, Scott Linklater, Michael Collins. Res: Greg Smith, David Briggs, Chresten Davis, Wayne McEntee; Rhys Duggan, Derek Maisey, Todd Miller

Referee: Paddy O'Brien. Kickoff:2.35pm. TV: Live Sky Sport 1.