Rugby: Mooloos mull form against Canterbury

By WYNNE GRAY

The last few days have been tough to take for Waikato rugby. But they have little choice.

A superb run of 21 Ranfurly Shield defences has not stopped them beating themselves up about their form.

On Sunday, they had to accept a disastrous Ranfurly Shield dress-rehearsal defeat against Counties Manukau, a result which means they have to believe the trophy will be heading to Canterbury on Saturday unless they sort out some issues.

"I think we will have to play to our maximum potential to hold on to the shield," coach Kiwi Searancke said yesterday.

While Waikato mulled over their dramas, Canterbury have two slight injury worries. Halfback Justin Marshall is expected back after his hamstring trouble, though fullback Leon MacDonald may be more at risk with his ankle damage.

While the information flow out of Canterbury these days is as abundant as grass in the Kalahari, it seems Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has been watching training this week. He might be there to encourage convert Brad Thorn, he might be on holiday but, more likely, knowing his recent close association with Canterbury, Bennett will be offering some advice about the shield grand final.

How can Waikato beat Canterbury, a team chockful of All Blacks and in scorching form? It is not an easy question for any Mooloo men to answer just now. They have had plenty of time to ponder the problem, though.

Sunday night's bus trip home from Pukekohe was a very quiet journey as the players were locked in their worlds of disappointment about their NPC defeat that day and introspection about the next task against Canterbury.

They are not too impressed by a local publicity stunt.

"Larry the Canterbury mascot will be roasted as the Mooloo parade makes its way down Victoria Street on Saturday," the WRU blared in a press release.

In response, Searancke said: "We've got three huge games [Canterbury, Auckland and Wellington] that we must win to finish in the top four.

"That's got to be a far bigger reality check - and we certainly need our players to realise it - than worrying about roast lamb sandwiches."

Waikato regrouped yesterday and, while midfielder Mark Ranby did not run, wing Roger Randle did and completed the session after his shoulder problems.

To get Waikato to a peak, Searancke will not be urging his squad into individual contests.

"We have to do the small things well, we have to worry about our game and work hard on the things we want to achieve. We are up against a class act, a very good side, and while we have done some very good things this year, we have also done some things terribly."

The week would not be about haranguing the squad. The players knew what they had to do.

Selections were not a great part of the mix - altering the attitude was far more important.

"When things go well we have worked harder than we have talked," Searancke said.

Both sides will be named after their final practices tomorrow.