Rugby: Give Ai'i room and Auks will win

By Chris Rattue

The little man with a magic touch will hold centre stage tonight as Auckland attempt to add another title to those accumulated so impressively since the mid-1980s.

The NPC grand final will pit Auckland, with 11 NPC titles since 1982, against Wellington, whose last success was in 1986.

Throw in the Super 12 successes and the huge influence Auckland have had on All Black teams, and it becomes a contest between the great force in New Zealand rugby and a major city battling to rediscover the winning touch.

The absence of the All Blacks in this NPC competition has thrust the spotlight on players who have sat in the wings as Otago and Canterbury - now the great providers to the national side - have held sway.

In Orene Ai'i's case, he has hardly even been waiting in the wings, yet he has burst onto the scene like a flare.

One substitute appearance for Auckland last year then a couple of runs with the Hurricanes hardly raised an eyebrow.

It was life as normal as Carlos Spencer resumed his position at first five-eighths in the first half of Auckland's NPC campaign, and when he departed with the All Blacks Aidan Vince had a shot.

But one game later, in round six at Carsibrook, Ai'i announced himself as a great new talent.

Already there is talk that the injured Spencer may have to shift to the midfield, although you could never underestimate his talent and experience at first five-eighths.

The only real question seems to be whether Ai'i has the physical presence needed. But in reading the play, running with lightning acceleration, and sending out long accurate passes, Ai'i has the goods.

In the Eden Park semifinal against North Harbour who have super-quick loose forwards, Ai'i skipped away from danger and was only found wanting with a couple of poor clearing kicks which conceded tries to North Harbour. It could not be described as the complete pivot game.

But he plonked over a couple of crucial drop kicks, the second one showing his head for battle as he put Auckland out of trouble.

Under the tutelage of the master rugby organiser Grant Fox, Ai'i is gaining confidence at every turn, and tonight will be an opportunity to announce that he can do the business at a new level.

Wellington come to Eden Park with some strike weapons of their own. Filo Tiatia has already roared into All Black calculations. Inoke Afeaki and the other Wellington forwards are primed, and capable of asking some questions Auckland may have difficulty answering.

Wellington centre Jason O'Halloran has become a major force in the race for the championship, and Auckland could be without Eroni Clarke (hamstring) who will be fitness tested this morning.

But if Auckland give Ai'i the room, the little man and his high-speed backs look ready to put another title in the Auckland cabinet.