Arlidge's return north will boost match time

By CHRIS RATTUE

Auckland have released Super 12 find James Arlidge to Northland for this year's NPC.

Arlidge, a first five-eighths, made a classy debut for the Blues at Okara Park in Whangarei this year in a win over the Cats during which he scored a long-range intercept and kicked crucial goals.

He will bolster a Northland side hit by the loss of the injured Jared Going and the departure of Tony Monaghan to Japan.

Auckland coaches Wayne Pivac and Grant Fox also sprang a minor surprise when they released halfback Ben Meyer to Northland, opting instead to keep Kevin Senio, who had already been lined up by the northerners.

Pivac said Arlidge was unlikely to get much game time ahead of No 1 choice Carlos Spencer, so it was in everyone's long-term interests that he make the switch.

Orene Ai'i, who is recovering from shoulder and knee operations, is close to a top-level return, although he will not be ready for the opening round against Southland at Eden Park next Friday night.

Pivac sees Ai'i, who also plays in the outside backs, primarily as a first five-eighths, with a running game that suits Auckland's plans.

Northland had intended using Waitemata and national sevens representative Mana Ashford, but coach Bryce Woodward said Ashford was at a disadvantage on the goalkicking front.

The decisions were made yesterday, after the two provinces met in a warm-up match - won 36-7 by Auckland - in Whangarei on Tuesday night.

Provinces can reclaim loan players at any time but, barring injuries, Arlidge is now set to be a key component in the Northland battle plan.

A delighted Woodward said Arlidge's goalkicking would help his fullback, Hayden Taylor.

Woodward believes Taylor performs better without the added strain of goalkicking.

Pivac said: "A few players were playing for positions in the game in Whangarei on Tuesday.

"For the development of both James and Ben, and pushing for Super 12 positions, it is best they play for a first-division team rather than at a lower level.

"The aim of the loan system is to enable provinces to fill any gaps they may have with the best possible players and for provinces with an excess to be able to get playing time for their players."

Senio will be the No 2 halfback behind Steve Devine, who has had a minor hand injury.

Senio has a strong pass and the added advantage of being Spencer's Ponsonby team- mate, but Pivac said he had some areas of his game to work on.