Rugby: Citing puts pressure on front row pool

By Chris Rattue

Auckland's NPC propping resources are under strain with tighthead Kalau Fukofuka to face the judiciary in Wellington on a trampling charge tomorrow.

The high-flying Aucklanders will be heavy favourites when they travel to play Taranaki on Saturday in the penultimate round of the first division.

But they may have to have a rearranged front row if Fukofuka is sidelined on a charge of trampling Waikato openside flanker Marty Holah, during Friday night's win at Eden Park.

There was a suggestion Auckland would contest the charge on the grounds it had not been made within the required 48 hours.

The New Zealand Rugby Football Union's referees manager Keith Lawrence said: "I understand that Auckland's chief executive Geoff Hipkins has given our office a bit of a tune up.

"But the referee, Steve Walsh, even tried to ring [Auckland coach] Wayne Pivac on Sunday night to let him know Auckland might have a problem, which is what good communication is about."

The referee must "re-visit" any incident, and the disciplinary commissioner forward any charges to the complaints review officer, within 48 hours of the end of a match. Lawrence is certain this was done.

An ARU spokeswoman said the union would not contest on those grounds, as they believed procedures were followed.

Coach Pivac was dealing with another outbreak of flu yesterday while also having to contemplate the loss of a prop.

Ofisa Tonu'u, Adrian Cashmore, Doug Howlett and Ilisea Tanivula were kept away from training because of the illness.

There is a slight chance that tighthead prop Scott Palmer (injured calf) could return this week although he is more likely to appear against Counties Manukau in the final round.

Mana Otai, the former Tongan international and Manawatu No 8, is the current reserve prop but a loosehead specialist which means his elevation would see captain Paul Thomson move to the tighthead. Two other contenders, Josh Heke and Grant Hill, are battling injuries.

On recent selection history, the propping problems suggest Paul Mitchell will get the nod at hooker ahead of exciting newcomer Keven Mealamu against the tough Taranaki pack.

* Otago back Romi Ropati has been censured for a tackle on Canterbury fullback Leon MacDonald in Saturday night's match at Carisbrook.