League: Memory of Teniseli inspirational for Lions

When the players take to the field for the Bartercard Cup final today, a former team-mate won't be far from the thoughts of the Mt Albert Lions.

Brian McClennan's side have endured one of the most difficult years in their history and will today attempt to win the final of New Zealand's premier domestic competition for prop forward Paulo Teniseli, who died of a brain haemorrhage in July, two days after the Lions defeated today's opponents, the Canterbury Bulls.

"He was a special bloke and we all miss him," McClennan said. "For a team to have to come to grips with losing a team-mate is terrible. It's been a very difficult season and we have done it tough, it's certainly been the most difficult year I have had as a coach.

"The guys have been playing for him throughout the year since he passed away and it will give us extra motivation. If we can do really well, I hope we can make Paulo's family feel pretty special."

Teniseli's father will lead out the Lions today at Ericsson Stadium, although it will be a side still feeling the affects of a rugged 29-22 win over the Counties-Manukau Jetz last weekend.

Injury doubts remain over skipper and five-eighth Steve Buckingham, as well as Patrick Ah Van, Paul Fisi'iahi and Fabian Souter.

"Our boys are battered and bruised and licking their wounds," McClennan said. "We have a hell of a battle ahead of us."

The Lions have a 2-1 record against the Bulls this season, including a thumping 68-32 in April, but Canterbury go into the final full of confidence having beaten the Lions in the major semifinal a fortnight ago.

As well as pitting the two best sides in the country against each other, today will also see the most successful coaches going head-to-head. Kiwis coach McClennan has two Bartercard Cup titles - one with Mt Albert, another with Hibiscus Coast - while Phil Prescott has won two with the Bulls.

Papakura and Manurewa will contest the Fox Memorial before the final.


- HERALD ON SUNDAY