Tuitupou loss good news for Bay

By WYNNE GRAY

Bay of Plenty v Auckland

Auckland lost star midfielder Sam Tuitupou yesterday as they prepared for their attempt to be the first side to tip over Bay of Plenty at home this season.

The setback brought Benson Stanley, the 18-year-old nephew of former All Black Joe Stanley, into the Auckland backline for his first NPC start, with Shannon Paku moving onto the bench.

Tuitupou was still troubled by a shoulder problem yesterday when Auckland held a light training run at Mt Maunganui, and his exit may leave the Bay thinking they have a realistic chance of an upset today.

While the defending champions have their firepower reduced in this All Black-free competition, Bay coach Vern Cotter said it would be folly to focus on that issue.

"You can identify some serious playmakers in the Auckland team and they will come here with a quiet confidence," he said.

"It is easier for them to target our main players and shut them down, but they have so many with the x-factor it would be dangerous to focus on a few."

Cotter and his side have worked hard this week to clear out any smugness after beating Northland last week for their third home win.

That victory should have cleared them from the relegation rumble they have become all too familiar with, and Cotter was aware he had to watch for any subsequent smugness.

"I think there might have been a certain amount of relief after the win against Northland. After the last few years spent on the razor-edge, there is a danger of complacency. We can't let slide what we have done so far."

The Bay should not struggle for motivation today - this is a golden chance to rattle the champs' cage as a curtainraiser to a huge Super 12 trial next week against Waikato.

"We think we have got past the danger area to where we can enjoy the competition," Cotter said. "But to enjoy it we have to keep performing, and that is the big question about this game with Auckland."

The titleholders will want to show a greater balance to their play today, with better structure and support.

If the match - with a Bay team bounty of $10,000 for a win - breaks up into a freewheeling spectacle, Auckland should win. But it may not be the best preparation for the impending playoffs.

Bay of Plenty: Damon Kaui, Anthony Tahana, Allan Bunting, Grant McQuoid, Apoua Stewart, Glen Jackson, Kevin Senio; Clayton McMillan (capt), Nili Latu, Wayne Ormond, Bernie Upton, Mark Sorenson, Ben Castle, Aleki Lutui, Simms Davison. Res: Ngarimu Simpkins, Taufa'ao Filise, Paul Tupai, Rodney Voullaire; Kyle O'Brien, Nathan Strongman, Ray MacDonald.

Auckland: Ben Atiga, Iliesa Tanivula, Tane Tuipulotu, Benson Stanley, Brent Ward, Orene Ai'i, David Gibson; Xavier Rush (capt), Craig de Goldi, Justin Collins, Bradley Mika, Angus Macdonald, John Afoa, Derren Witcombe, Nick White. Res: Nathan Kemp, Soane Tonga'uiha, Bryce Williams, Sione Lauaki; Craig McGrath, Isa Nacewa, Shannon Paku.

Referee: Gary Wise.

Kickoff: 2.35pm.

NPC points table