Shield challengers longshots against revitalised holders

By CHRIS RATTUE

Canterbury's problems have become North Harbour's main problem in tonight's Ranfurly Shield challenge.

While Canterbury's victory over Auckland in the rain at Eden Park last week fell short of being a classic encounter, it did show that the champions are starting to find their cohesion, especially on defence.

With the personnel Canterbury have got, it will take a very good side to take the shield from Jade Stadium.

And, most importantly, Canterbury's shaky start to the season means there is little chance of catching them off-guard - particularly when the shield is at stake.

If Canterbury were to lose tonight, it would even raise the possibility of the unthinkable - that they could miss the semifinals.

However hard it is for a team of test players to raise their sights again for their third major campaign of the season, it is hard to see the likes of Mr Competitive Justin Marshall and the rest of the crew allowing their pride to be damaged in such a way. That's not to mention the prospect of test places being lost through a substandard NPC campaign.

North Harbour's build up has been far from ideal. After losing four in a row they dished out a hiding to Northland, but they are hardly an NPC yardstick at the moment.

Harbour also have selection doubts, having to bracket captain Mark Robinson and Billy Fulton, who has played for the Crusaders and is still Canterbury-registered, at halfback.

A frustrated Robinson has struggled to get his season going because of concussion and now a knee injury which threatens to sideline him for a third consecutive game.

All the signs point towards a Canterbury victory, even though Harbour were the only side to beat them last season.

Canterbury have had a disruption to their backline, with co-captain Aaron Mauger out with a minor groin injury. His brother Nathan, on the verge of joining Harbour on loan this year, takes his place, although he is more accustomed to centre.

Said assistant coach Ian Mallard: "Nathan has shown us that he's got the right attributes for that position. He did very well last year at second five."

Canterbury also have wing Marika Vunibaka back earlier than anticipated from a knee injury. While short of matchplay, Vunibaka can be a match winner.

Two players shape as key figures in the Harbour hopes.

Vice-captain Troy Flavell looks close to his rampaging best and has the x-factor needed to unlock a side of Canterbury's calibre.

And much responsibility rests on centre Luke McAlister, the one outside back capable of footing it with the sort of class Canterbury have. It's asking a lot of the teenager, but he has the footwork to beat defenders and Harbour will have to do much more than just set a platform tonight.

Canterbury: Ben Blair, Joe Maddock, Mark Robinson, Nathan Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall; Scott Robertson, Richard McCaw, Sam Broomhall, Norm Maxwell, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Mark Hammett (c), David Hewett. Res: Laurence Corlett, Chris King, Matt Dalzell, Johnny Leo'o; Ben Hurst, Daniel Carter, Marika Vunibaka.

North Harbour: Nick Evans, Scott Adams, Luke McAlister, Mark Mayerhofler, Hayden Reid, Tim Walsh, Mark Robinson (c)/Billy Fulton; Blair Urlich, Matua Parkinson, Craig Newby, Mark Giacheri, Troy Flavell, Tevita Taumoepeau, Slade McFarland, Tony Woodcock.

Res: Joe Ward, John Buchanan, Matt Lord, Andrew Gallagher; Fulton/Robinson, Brad Miller, Anthony Tuitavake.

Referee: Lyndon Bray (Wellington). Kickoff: 7.35pm.