Soccer: Rufer, Ngata doubtful starters for Kingz

By Terry Maddaford

It will be all hands on deck - but probably without the captain and the tactician - when the Football Kingz tackle Wollongong Wolves at North Harbour Stadium tonight.

After promising efforts - a win and a draw in their last two Australian Soccer League outings - the Kingz could be without captain Harry Ngata and player-coach Wynton Rufer for their last game at the stadium for a month.

Rufer, who was due back from Switzerland this morning after attending a Fifa players' committee meeting, is struggling with a hamstring injury and rated no better than a 50-50 chance to play.

Ngata, who kicked the ground while attempting a long-range shot during last week's 1-1 away draw against Newcastle Breakers, has an ankle injury.

Lee Jones, who went to last Friday's away game, has been retained in the squad as has goalkeeper Jason Batty, and Solomon Islands international Batram Suri has been added as cover for Ngata and Rufer.

Unbeaten and with six points from a win and three draws, Wollongong go into the game in ninth place, just four points back from co-leaders Carlton and Brisbane Strikers.

The Kingz, despite their good recent efforts, have just four points and are back in 14th place out of 16, but only because of their inferior goal difference.

Wollongong's Kiwi connection is former All White Neil Harlock, who scored the winning goal in their 2-1 opening-round win over defending champions South Melbourne.

Harlock, one of the better left-sided players in recent national teams, can expect a torrid time, especially in his confrontation with in-form Kingz flank star Robbie Middleby.

Tonight's clash, which kicks off at 6pm, is the first of four Ericsson Cup clashes between the two sides this season.

Following the late withdrawal of the Adelaide Sharks, league officials, who were determined not to have to introduce a bye, drew teams in pairs and ruled that they would meet home and away twice during the season.

With the Kingz due to play Adelaide in a fortnight, that game will now be against Wollongong but, thankfully for the Kingz management that game will be played at Christchurch's Jade Stadium.

Kingz chairman Chris Turner said the club would watch tonight's game with interest.

"It is the third different day and kickoff time we have had in three games," he said. "We are keen to see how the public responds to the new kickoff time."

There will again be some pre-match entertainment. There is also a new price structure following complaints of excessive ticket prices for the first two games. Apart from the main stand, adults will pay $10 and children $5, with under-five children free.

* Auckland referee Derek Rugg had a game to remember in controlling last weekend's Canberra Cosmos clash with Parramatta Power.

Rugg sent off two Canberra players and booked seven in total as Canberra won 3-2.

"The feedback we had from the two coaches was the sending-offs were justified," said Turner. "But generally Derek struggled to adjust to the pace of the game."

Kingz squad: Michael Utting, Jason Batty, Che Bunce, Levent Osman, David Moya, Jonathan Perry, Marcus Stergiopoulos, Wynton Rufer, Harry Ngata, Fred de Jong, Dino Menillo, Robbie Middleby, Aaron Silva, Ivan Vicelich, Lee Jones, Chris Jackson, Batram Suri (three to be omitted).