RUGBY: Relif palpable as Holwell returns

When he decided to produce a bit of indoor aerobatics and subsequently landed on his shoulder, David Holwell judged the pain level, assessed the discomfort and thought, 'ahhhh, three weeks'.
Turns out even Holwell himself is surprised at his own powers of recuperation.
The veteran Northland rugby playmaker is back on the playing roster for the Air NZ Cup opener against North Harbour in Whangarei on Saturday.
He is odds-on to pick up the No.10 jersey and is one of a number of players who have recovered from injury to be available for the match against the Ranfurly Shield holders.
Which is just as well, because the final pre-season hit-out against Counties-Manukau highlighted the thin veneer of depth in the Northland rugby store-room.
With Holwell and a few other squad members on deck, Northland were far from compelling.
But with Holwell back in the playing fold and others like lock Steve Baker, winger Tony Koonwaiyou, fullback Mike Davis and halfback Corey Tamou all back to full fitness, the team that eventually runs on the paddock on Saturday will be regarded as the first pick side.
But it is Holwell's imminent return that is regarded as the most critical, his tactical know-how and goal kicking prowess a vital ingredient.
Coach Mark Anscombe was obviously relieved his senior player would be running the backline on Saturday, but also happy to report a dwindling roster at the physiotherapy clinic.
"We have a significant challenge ahead of us against North Harbour, they have class players in Rudy Wulf, George Pisi and Anthony Tuitavake and some depth in the forwards as well," Anscombe said.
"We have identified areas we like to think we have an advantage and areas we know we will need to be wary of from their perspective but it was always important that we had a full compliment to pick from," he said.
"These guys have worked hard to get to this point, so it is good to have everyone we can available."
Holwell's return will most likely result in Dan Bowden being shifted to second five eighths and leave newcomer Leo Taliu to battle with Josh Levi for a start at centre.
Fetu Vainikolo is assured of a start on the wing and Rene Ranger the most obvious candidate for the other wing.
There will be an interesting call to be made at lock, with Brad Taylor, Dan Goodwin and Steve Baker all jousting for a run on role, but for the moment the three loose forward positions seem assured; Joel McKenty in at No.7, Justin Collins to captain from No.6 and the irascible Jake Paringatai wearing the No.8 jersey.
The team trained twice yesterday and will have two more training sessions tomorrow when the starting team will be announced.
The game on Saturday kicks-off at 2.30pm.