Rugby: Auks cry out for crowd support

By Chris Rattue

Auckland rugby coach Wayne Pivac has called on the city's sports fans to boost their support for his side as they go into Saturday night's NPC grand final against Wellington at Eden Park.

"Guesstimates" of the crowd at Saturday night's 38-30 semifinal win over North Harbour were as low as 16,000, although the Auckland union claimed yesterday that 20,000 tickets were pre-sold and estimated the Eden Park attendance at 25,000.

Pivac had hoped for a much greater number at the renovated stadium, and said a big presence would produce an enormous lift for a side trying to forge a new era for Auckland rugby.

"We had a good number at the last match against Counties Manukau when there wasn't much at stake so I was surprised at Saturday night's crowd," said Pivac. "We'd been hoping for up to 35,000, and a big crowd does give the team a boost.

"I've been told a lot of people stayed away, saving their money for the final which is a bit cheeky. We've been trying to play constructively and play entertaining football and I think the game you saw on Saturday night with a 38-30 scoreline shows that.

"This will definitely be Michael Jones' last game so that will be something for the Auckland public to turn out for.

"A big crowd really helps when you get into tight situations. We play at places like Jade Stadium in Christchurch where that home support really does lift their team."

Influential Auckland centre Eroni Clarke appears doubtful for the final, after limping out of the semifinal when his hamstring injury flared again.

Auckland also appear set to go with Ofisa Tonu'u at halfback, after he was confirmed to the public as a starter just before the match against North Harbour.

Auckland knew for three days that Steve Devine was an unlikely starter because of an ankle problem, but kept North Harbour guessing in an attempt to confuse their game plan. Pivac said Tonu'u had a strong semifinal, meaning Devine would have to be fully fit to have a chance of pushing the former All Black halfback on to the bench.

Lock Leo Lafaiali'i was forced off with a knee problem and it will be a day or so before Auckland know if he is in major doubt for the final, but Jones (Achilles heel) is expected to be fit for his last appearance.

Meanwhile, Wellington are confident they will be able to field the same side who crushed Ranfurly Shield holders Waikato 38-17 at Hamilton.

Apart from the defection of teenage forward Jerry Collins (broken leg), they have been able to choose the same side for the past six weeks.

Midfield back Paul Steinmetz (double vision) will need a check during the week, and Wellington are confident in-form No 8 Filo Tiatia, who battled a knee problem during the semifinal, will be all right.

Nelson Bays staged a comeback yesterday to beat Hawkes Bay 23-13 to set up a second-division final against Bay of Plenty in Nelson.

The third division final will be a local derby between East Coast and Poverty Bay.