Shield defence excites captain

By CHRIS RATTUE

Charles Riechelmann is a "traditionalist" who can't wait to help defend the Ranfurly Shield against Counties Manukau at Eden Park tomorrow.

The 32-year-old Riechelmann - a six-test All Black in 1997 - made his debut during one of the great Auckland eras in a shield game against King Country in Taupo a decade ago.

He has just returned from a two-year stint in Japan and will lead Auckland from lock tomorrow in his 75th game for the union.

When his contract with Toyota expired, Riechelmann briefly considered looking for another big-money contract overseas. But he and his partner, Anna, who have a nine-month-old daughter, Phoebe, decided it was time to return home.

"The thought of packing up the family again was too daunting. It's great to be home," says Riechelmann, whose previous career here was blighted by injuries. "Absolutely ... I'm glad I went to Japan. I really enjoyed the food, the people, and the money of course was a big factor.

"But the rugby side I didn't enjoy at all, to tell the truth. It was frustrating. You go there with the idea of helping them, but only so much gets heard and a lot gets pushed aside. Language is a little part of it, but they kind of agree with what you say and then only do a bit of it."

Riechelmann has a one-year contract with Auckland and is "stoked" in the faith placed in him. He had email contact with new coach Pat Lam - whom he played alongside in Auckland teams - while still in Japan, followed by more discussions on his return.

He has played a few club games, including the first half for Grammar Carlton in their Gallaher Shield final loss to Ponsonby.

Riechelmann has found the talent pool around Auckland "mind boggling" and noticed great advances in the amount of specific training work.

Meanwhile, Ponsonby first five-eighths Murray Williams will make his Auckland debut against second division Counties Manukau, who have a "starter's chance", according to co-coach Mark Carter.

Carter and his old Pukekohe comrade Gary Millington, a former Counties midfield back, have been boosted by the arrival of Fijian and Pacific Islands No 8 Sisa Koyamaibole this season.

"He was one of the Pacific Islands forwards to really last the distance," Carter said.

"It is a bit of a coup for Counties. He could have taken up big offers offshore, but wanted to come here as part of his development for the future."

Counties Manukau also have lock Api Naevo back from overseas.

Mark Lawson will renew his rivalry with All Black World Cup replacement Ben Atiga.

Lawson (St Peter's) and Atiga (Auckland Grammar) had many local derby schoolboy clashes.

* Auckland vs Counties, Manukau Eden Park, tomorrow, 2.35pm