Young back itching for NPC slot

By CHRIS RATTUE

National under-19 captain Sam Tuitupou may get another chance to stake a claim for the Auckland NPC side when they play Northland in Whangarei tonight.

Injuries have helped Tuitupou, who does not even play senior club rugby, into Wayne Pivac's Auckland squad and the Ponsonby under-22 fullback/midfield back is on the bench again for the NPC warm-up game.

"We wanted to get him in our environment and have a really good look at him," said Pivac, who took Tuitupou to Waiheke Island for the warm-up match against North Harbour on Sunday.

Among those to miss the cut tonight is 2.02m (6ft 6in) lock Ali Williams from Ponsonby, but Pivac said the rookie, who was in the Auckland under-19s last year, should get a chance at playing a role in the NPC.

The 20-year-old Williams, out of Kings College, played soccer as a goalkeeper well into his teens, represented Auckland at age-group level, and is now in just his fourth year of rugby.

The Auckland squad will carry four locks: Robin Brooke - who returns from injury tonight - Charles Riechelmann, Bradley Mika and Williams initially.

"When you look at Robin, who is 34, and Charles Riechelmann and his history of injuries, you could probably have a safe bet that Ali will get game time," Pivac said.

"But we've also got the 2.03m Bryce Williams to consider."

Halfbacks Ben Meyer and Kevin Senio can push their claims while Steve Devine is out with a hand injury. Whoever misses out between Meyer and Senio is likely to go to Northland on loan.

Northland, who have lost nine players overseas, plus Jared Going to a season-ending shoulder injury, have included Fijian sevens player Rupeni Caucau and 27-year-old Canadian test wing Fred Asselin in their squad this season, along with Waitemata first five-eighths Mana Ashford, from the national sevens squad.

Northland: Rhyan Caine, Rupeni Caucau, Eric Abraham, Jason Hita, Fred Asselin, Mana Ashford, Sam Pinder; Tim Henwood, Allen Tubbs, Graham Hilton-Jones, Vula Maimuri, Glenn Taylor (capt), Tim Knight, Russell James, Mike Storey. Reserves: Fero Lasagavibau, Hayden Taylor, Mark Subritzky; Aaron Wright, Brad Taylor, Shannon Guy, Joe Veitayaki, Derren Witcombe.

Auckland: Malili Muliaina, Joeli Vidiri, Eroni Clarke, Amasio Valence, Iliesa Tanivula, Carlos Spencer, Ben Meyer; Samiu Vahafolau, Justin Collins, Xavier Rush (capt), Robin Brooke, Charles Riechelmann, Christian Califano, Keven Mealamu, Nick White. Reserves: Sam Tuitupou, James Arlidge, Kevin Senio; Stephen Bates, Bradley Mika, Paul Thomson, James Christian.

Kickoff: 7.30 pm.