Stensness forces out Arlidge

By WYNNE GRAY

Lee Stensness will wear the No 10 jersey for Auckland tomorrow after the selectors mulled over the merits of Carlos Spencer and James Arlidge.

Initial first five-eighths ideas for the NPC were about Spencer, but he strained a hamstring and Arlidge was promoted for the opening match against Taranaki.

Spencer was supposed to play, but from the safety of fullback. He reinjured himself, however, at the last practice and was a late withdrawal before Auckland's 23-20 loss.

He survived training last night and has been picked for the match against Northland in Whangarei, again as fullback and goalkicker, but Arlidge has been overlooked.

His place as pivot has gone to Stensness, the former All Black midfielder and occasional first five-eighths for Auckland.

"Northland know how James plays after his stint there last year," coach Wayne Pivac said.

"His defence needs a bit of work and the way Northland play down that inside channel it would have been a bit of a concern. Lee is stronger on defence and he will also keep them honest with his running."

Pivac said Stensness was outstanding in the club final against Ponsonby and was experienced enough to handle the transition.

Auckland have made several other changes, with NZ Maori lock Bryce Williams making way for Ali Williams, who has been cleared to resume after suffering a pre-season head injury.

After Mils Muliaina's social disaster and suspension, the coaches hoped to reinstate All Black wing Doug Howlett.

He was at training yesterday, but was concerned about a hamstring strain and Justin Wilson took his place.

Auckland will be desperate to include Howlett because Northland finally have Rupeni Caucaunibuca back and fully fit.

The Fijian's try-scoring magic helped Northland to their first NPC win over Auckland at Eden Park last season.

Northland coach Bryce Woodward believes the speedy wing can add some attacking backline polish to a formidable forward pack and give his side a boost for their first home game of the season.

"It's not so much a relief that he's here, it is more like we just wanted him playing," Woodward said.

"We can only control what is controllable and his absence was not in our control. But he's here now and he is a world-class player."

Caucaunibuca was keen to explain his late start to the season, an absence some felt was a sign of some apathy towards the competition.

The 22-year-old revealed he was at the bedside of his ill father at Nadi Hospital.

"I got home [from the Commonwealth Games] and my father was very sick and there was no hospital, no doctor, no nurses there. They were all on strike.

"So I had to get a private doctor to help him. It was very bad."

Now he's back Caucaunibuca is keen to stake his claim and is setting his sights on a return to the Blues for a second stint at Super 12 rugby.

Caucaunibuca is the only change to the team who lost to Otago last week. Jason Hita moves to the bench, with Paul Staladi dropping out.

Jared Going holds his spot at first five-eighth after a tidy display against Otago, spoiled only by two missed penalty kicks and one vital missed touch.

The pack remains intact as long as lock Vula Maimuri can shake off niggles in time to take his place.

Northland: Hayden Taylor, Fero Lasagavibau, Jason Shoemark, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Robbie Johnson; Jared Going; Sammy Pinder, Tim Henwood, Allen Tubbs, Glenn Taylor (capt), Vula Maimuri, Brett Waaka, Con Barrell, Derren Witcombe, Mike Storey. Res: Jason Hammond, Bronson Murray, Brad Taylor, Aaron Wright or Brent Dale, Lee Peina, Regan Finch, Jason Hita.

Auckland: Carlos Spencer, Doug Howlett or Justin Wilson, Eroni Clarke, Tane Tuipulotu, Iliesa Tanivula, Lee Stensness, Steve Devine, Xavier Rush (capt), Daniel Braid, Justin Collins, Ali Williams, Bradley Mika, Kees Meeuws, Keven Mealamu, Nick White. Res: James Christian, Scott Palmer, Craig De Goldi, Bryce Williams, David Gibson, James Arlidge, Sam Tuitupou.