Rugby: Big ask of struggling Otago

Otago tell Chris Rattue they are desperate to grab the shield after 42 years without it.

It is 42 years since Otago held the Ranfurly Shield, and they are hardly brimming with confidence as they take on Waikato in Hamilton today.

After battling through the first five rounds of the NPC this year, recording four wins and a draw, Otago have crashed to Auckland and Canterbury to confirm what many suspected all along - that they are not a major force without their All Blacks.

Otago will run on to Rugby Park with a decent forward pack, but there is a fragile look to their backline.

Coach Kevin Gloag has dropped halfback Cory Brown to the bench, bringing in national under-19 halfback David Gibson. He will be paired with Mat Carrington, who has struggled to stamp his authority on Otago's attempt to retain the NPC crown. Adding to their problems, threequarter Romi Ropati is injured.

Chief executive John Hornbrook said Otago, whose last challenge was in 1994 when they were pipped by Canterbury, were desperate to bring the shield to Dunedin.

"Waikato are going pretty well and it's going to be a big task.

"Of course we still regard the shield as huge - we'd just love to win it. But you need a bit of realism looking at this challenge."

Otago's defence of the NPC title is also on the line, as they enter what looks to be a three-way battle for the fourth semifinal spot with Wellington and North Harbour.

However a win today would change the whole complexion on an Otago season which is struggling to maintain momentum.

Waikato coach Kiwi Searancke has brought back former All Black Scott McLeod into centre in place of Keith Lowen, and blindside flanker Ryan Wheeler will get his first start of the season at the expense of Tony Petero.

Star wing Bruce Reihana is in doubt after turning an ankle at training. Reihana was unable to train again last night, with Damian Karauna on standby to replace him.
* Northland coach Bryce Woodward wants the Super 12 Blues to name their squad before November, the month when NPC player transfers take place.

Woodward said Northland had asked the Blues to privately tell their provinces who would be in the squad, but were told the team would not be selected before November.

Top players from smaller provinces like Northland were more likely to take up offers from other franchise areas, said Woodward, because they were in the dark over whether they were wanted by the Blues.

North Harbour had backed Northland's request, but it had not been received favourably by the Blues.

Woodward said: "They could decide their Super 12 squad straight after the NPC because there is no more rugby on which to judge the players' form.

"That would give us a lot better chance of retaining our best players."

Forwards Glenn Taylor, Justin Collins and Nicky White, and centre Norm Berryman are the prime Northland candidates for Super 12 places.

Northland have already expressed concern that prop White could be off to Wellington, Berryman is rumoured to be considering a move to Christchurch, and there are suggestions Collins has also received outside offers. Taylor said recently he had not received offers for a couple of seasons, and he was quite happy to continue living in Northland.

Woodward said: "I believe we can become a very competitive side if we can retain the core of our best players but the system works against us being able to do that.

Northland take on Southland in Whangarei tonight, with neither side in semifinal contention.