Robbo proves perfect tonic for Mooloo men

Waikato players form a tight unit at yesterday's training at Waikato Stadium. Picture / Sarah Ivey

Keith Robinson's return to Waikato colours this season could not have been timed better, according to his locking partner, Jono Gibbes.

After two years sidelined by a variety of ailments, which for a time seemed set to pull the curtain on his career, the former All Black lock is back with a vengeance.

He returned for the Top Six playoff game against Wellington on September 23, when Waikato handed out a 37-21 dusting in a prelude to Saturday night's Air New Zealand Cup final in Hamilton.

Since then, Robinson started the next three games, his only break coming when he was replaced after 68 minutes of last weekend's 44-15 semifinal rout of Otago. The durable Gibbes is thrilled by what Robinson has brought to the team since his return.

"I think he's got presence. He doesn't say a lot, doesn't point and talk and all that. He's a doer," Gibbes said yesterday.

"I've enjoyed every minute with him. I didn't think it would ever happen again and it gave the guys a boost."

The two old stagers, both 29 and both All Blacks who might quietly harbour hopes of another day or two in the black jersey, have provided the core of a formidable Waikato pack in the last month.

Gibbes believes Robinson's return injected a fresh dose of vitality into the pack.

"It's been a tonic for him to come in late in the year and spark it again for everyone," Gibbes said.

"The fact is he didn't warm himself into it. Just bang, he's rolled out and done it. He's been immensely valuable for us."

Robinson was one of three Waikato players who sat out training yesterday, the others being wing Sosene Anesi and first five-eighth Stephen Donald.

In Robinson's case, it's about smart management of a valuable commodity - just finding his feet again after a long break. Donald has had a bruised knee for the last week, but all three are expected to be fit for the final.

As for Wellington, they are sweating on tighthead prop Neemia Tialata's calf injury, which threatens to cut him out of the final and put his All Black tour spot in jeopardy.

Coach John Plumtree hinted he is sticking with openside flanker Ben Herring ahead of returning All Black Chris Masoe for the final.

Masoe played about 20 minutes against Auckland last Friday in his first game since he hurt his ankle playing against South Africa in Pretoria on August 26. But Herring has drawn rave reviews from his coach.

Plumtree drew a comparison between the styles of Herring and Waikato's Marty Holah, their long-time No 7 specialist.

"Chris can do that as well but I call Ben the master at it. He's just been outstanding all year," Plumtree said.

* More than 17,000 tickets had been sold for the final by late yesterday. The capacity is about 25,000.

* The final will be refereed by Bryce Lawrence, who controlled Waikato's semifinal against Otago. His touch judges are Kelvin Deaker and Gary Wise.

* The TAB has installed Wellington as slight favourites for the final, at $1.85, to Waikato's $1.90.