Rugby: Clarke's in-out season worsens

Eroni Clarke's peculiar rugby season took a further twist last night when he was omitted from the Auckland team for their NPC first division clash against Wellington tomorrow night.

Clarke - farmed off to Bay of Plenty at the start of the NPC, then recalled to warm the bench, before being promoted into the starting XV - is back on the not required list, his place at centre going to Iliesa Tanivula for the trip to the capital.

There was some good news for Auckland coach Wayne Pivac. Doug Howlett is over his ankle problems to take his place on the right wing, while lock Robin Brooke and second five-eighths Craig Innes have recovered from injuries.

Wellington have named NZ Colts halfback James King to replace the injured Jason Spice, while the promising Jerry Collins takes over at No 8 from Filo Tiatia, who has a broken arm.

King who did not play a game of rugby until he went to boarding school at Nelson College when he was 13, arrived two years ago in the first intake at Wellington Rugby Union's new academy.

The NZ Colts manager, Sean Fitzpatrick, believes the 21-year-old has the talent to succeed. "He's a typically cheeky halfback. I think he can handle it pretty well."

In-form All Black winger Tana Umaga returns for his first NPC game since the win over Northland on October 10, 1998, having got over an abductor muscle injury.

Wellington: Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, Alama Ieremia, Jason O'Halloran, Tana Umaga, David Holwell, James King, Jerry Collins, Kupu Vanisi, Semo Sititi, Dion Waller, Inoke Afeaki, Mike Edwards, Norm Hewitt (capt), Kevin Yates. Res: Brad Fleming, Paul Steinmetz, Riki Flutey, Rodney So'oialo, Milton Ngauamo, Shane Carter, Morne van der Merwe.

Auckland: Adrian Cashmore, Doug Howlett, Iliesa Tanivula, Craig Innes, Malili Muliaina, Carlos Spencer, Steve Devine, Xavier Rush, Andrew Blowers, Charles Riechelmann, Robin Brooke, Leo Lafaiali'i, Craig Dowd, Keven Mealamu, Paul Thomson (capt). Res: Orene Ai'i, Amasio Valence, Ben Meyeer, Dylan Mika, Finau Maka, Nick White, James Christian.

Taranaki halfback Brendon Haami has been suspended for four weeks after being sent off for stomping on an opponent in last weekend's rugged loss to Wellington. Reserve hooker Daniel Smith, also marched in the same game, got a two-week ban. Flanker Brent Thompson was cleared over a dangerous tackle.