Robinson ready as Harbour try to stop rot

By CHRIS RATTUE

WELLINGTON 19 NORTH HARBOUR 17

Captain Mark Robinson will be fit for North Harbour's critical clash against Otago on Saturday, but coach Russell Jones heaped praise on his stand-in after the latest loss to Wellington.

There was little for Harbour to cheer about as they gave Wellington - with Rodney So'oialo again outstanding - a big first half start. Harbour then became trapped by their one-dimensional forward dominance in the second half as they went down by two points at Albany.

Robinson was a late withdrawal when, despite passing concussion tests, he felt unwell in the leadup to Saturday night's match.

His place was taken by former Harbour fringe halfback Billy Fulton, the Highlanders player who is still registered with Canterbury.

Jones said: "Our hero of the night was Billy Fulton. He hasn't played since April because of major knee surgery. He was a superstar for us in the context of the game.

"He stuck to the plan - as primitive as it was - very well in the second half and his work rate was exceptional."

Robinson - missing for the first time since 1999 - was certain of being fit this week, although Harbour will carefully monitor him.

Harbour had the encouraging sign of stand-in captain Troy Flavell, who shifted from blindside to lock in the second half, in powerful form as he continues to make his way back from a knee injury.

And their forwards wrecked Wellington in the second half with a series of slow rolling mauls.

Yet the Harbour parts did not equal a whole. Nothing really gelled for the home side, who were even penalised for the antiquated offence of being in front of a kick-off. It was the only time they were in front all night.

Wellington attacked Harbour's inside back defence in the first half, with first five-eighths Riki Flutey making three clean breaks as the visitors led 19-6. But Flutey disappeared in the second spell, as did the Wellington forwards when Harbour reverted to their rolling-maul game plan.

Down 19-17 with 15 minutes left, things shifted Harbour's way when Wellington lock Dion Waller - returning after a four-month injury layoff - added to his reputation by being sinbinned by Paul Honiss for a head charge on Tony Woodcock.

But Harbour flanker Craig Newby was then binned on a touch judge's report for stomping, an incident Jones described as "meagre" and one which halted Harbour at a vital stage.

Wellington coach Dave Rennie's analysis? "It was ugly but it was four points."