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From Manawatu rugby supporters' perspective, the release of the All Blacks back into Air NZ Cup rugby could not have come at a worst time as they weigh up their chances for the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Auckland on Saturday.
Auckland, coming off a 3-34 defeat by Canterbury last weekend, certainly look vulnerable as they face Manawatu in a Cup match that doubles as their fourth shield defence this season.
Manawatu coach Dave Rennie says Shield games are different with the holders traditionally strong in defence but his side are excited to have the opportunity of playing for the Shield.
"Manawatu have not had a challenge since 1991 so we just want to go out and enjoy the moment. We'll certainly have a crack," he said today.
Manawatu's first and only Shield reign began in 1976 when they beat Auckland 12-10 in 1976 with Doug Rollerson potting the winning drop goal.
They went on to defend it 13 times before the glory days were ended by North Auckland who snatched it off them in a controversially extended match in 1978.
In Manawatu's favour is that the defending Air NZ Cup champions are in disarray and unconvincing. They are currently second from bottom in the standings with just four points from one win and two losses.
They come into the match after a stinging 3-34 defeat by Canterbury last weekend.
However, their shaky front row will be shored up with the return of All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu and prop John Afoa.
Fullback Isaia Toeava also returns with the All Blacks free of Tri Nations commitments for the next couple of rounds.
The trio are among 10 internationals released for Cup games for the next two rounds with another two becoming available for round 5.
Manawatu, who beat Canterbury in the first round, are coming off a 38-38 draw with Waikato last weekend.
But they will be without influential first-five eighth Matty James, Rennie said.
James injured a right knee during the Waikato match and is out of action for up to four weeks.
Aaron Cruden, 19, who replaced James and played a starring role in Manawatu's fightback from 16-38 down, will start the match.
With an exciting back three in fullback Francisco Bosh, Andre Taylor and Lote Raikabula and a solid tight five, Manawatu will pose problems for Auckland but it will take a game-long effort, Rennie said.
"We started poorly against Waikato and gave away too many easy points which put us under pressure.
"We showed a lot of character coming back for the draw but we can't afford a similar start against Auckland."
"But there's a lot of belief within the squad (after beating Canterbury) - we know if we front we can be competitive but we've got to front up for 80 minutes."
North Harbour who face fellow strugglers Waikato on Sunday will be boosted by the return of All Blacks midfielder Anthony Tuitavake, wing Rudi Wulf and lock Anthony Boric while Waikato will get the services of Stephen Donald and No 8 Sione Lauaki.
Both sides will be desperate to get a number in the win column of the standings.
Championship leaders Wellington face Southland on Friday and will be able to take Piri Weepu and prop Neemia Tialata for what should be a testing trip to Invercargill.
All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan will not be available to Southland until next week's round.
Likewise, Otago will be without Adam Thomson for Thursday's match against Counties Manukau with the rangy flanker coming back in the fifth round against Hawke's Bay.
Other matches this weekend see Bay of Plenty seeking to keep their unbeaten record against Northland in Whangarei, Tasman host Hawke's Bay in Blenheim and Taranaki take on Canterbury in New Plymouth.
- NZPA
