Veteran Duggan steps up for the big one

By CHRIS RATTUE


The perfect man for a crisis. That's the billing for Waikato stalwart Rhys Duggan, who has been thrust into a central NPC role that seemed likely to pass him by this season.

The 32-year-old halfback's career is coming to an end, and he began the year as third in line behind All Black Byron Kelleher and the up-and-coming Isaac Boss.

But Waikato's extraordinary injury list has put Duggan in the forefront of the battle to make this year's semifinal, which will be decided in the final round clash against Taranaki in New Plymouth tomorrow.

Kelleher has been ruled out with a calf injury and Boss - who is also in doubt - is covering injuries at fullback. So Duggan will start in the No 9 jersey again.

Duggan's career goes so far back that he was in the same Waikato squad as current coach John Mitchell in 1994.

Mitchell said Duggan brought a host of qualities that had proved invaluable to Waikato this season.

"We are so lucky that we can call on someone of his experience.

"It is neat to have a centurion in our NPC squad. That's not common these days, and he brings a lot of the loyalty and values that exist in Waikato rugby.

"We went to 'Ratty' at the beginning and told him the equation, on the basis that he could fit in until Byron returned. But in this game things can change, and they have.

"Right from the beginning he has been very important. And he's been completing his building apprenticeship this year, which has brought a new balance and perspective to his life. He is re-enthused.

"He is still pretty quick and barks pretty well, which are all good signs."

Mitchell has introduced Derek Maisey at second five-eighths, partly because centre Richard Kahui has been in doubt with an ankle injury.


Waikato believe that Deacon Manu, who has had a shoulder injury, will be fit to play but there seems to be more doubt over Boss, who has knee and ankle problems.


Meanwhile, North Harbour are likely to be without lock Greg Rawlinson for Sunday's do-or-die battle with Bay of Plenty at Albany. Rawlinson will probably miss facing his old team-mates because of a shoulder injury.

Pollock names his side today, and yesterday was giving little away over which of his first five-eighths choices he would go for.

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