Auckland: Pivac relieved at state of health

By Wynne Gray

Only No 8 Xavier Rush was missing from Auckland's final training last night after a tonsilitis and flu epidemic hit the NPC leaders.

It was a relieved coach Wayne Pivac who rediscovered his pack at Eden Park with captain Paul Thomson, and locks Charles Reichelmann, Leo Lafaiali'i, Dean Bassett and loose forward Mark Carter all back in business after illness.

Rush appeared but was sent home again with some appropriate medicine to help him make tomorrow's top of the table meeting with Waikato.

"We are optimistic he will recover because the others appear to be well over the problems. But it was a serious worry there for a while when you lose half your forwards," Pivac said.

As expected Auckland have made a couple of changes with Paul Mitchell coming back in at hooker and tighthead prop Kalau Fukofuka replacing the injured Scott Palmer.

After his impressive last game against Otago, Steve Devine retains his halfback spot and his combination with the exciting young talent Orene Ai'i outside him. Speedster Doug Howlett comes in on the right wing in place of Iliesa Tanivula.

Waikato have also made a few alterations with Blues midfielder Keith Lowen reselected at centre to face his former Super 12 colleagues.

Coach Kiwi Searancke has also been able to restore Mark Cooksley to lock after injury but he has resisted the chance to pick Michael Collins at prop after his recent illness. After his fine match against Wellington and the shoulder injury to blindside flanker Nick Holten, utility forward Tony Petero has been switched from lock to the No 6 jersey. Petero has played most of his career as a loose forward so this game will be a chance to judge his talents in that position.

"He has showed he is a very mobile player, has a great work ethic and won't be overawed by the occasion," said Searancke.

Auckland: Adrian Cashmore, Doug Howlett, Eroni Clarke, Caleb Ralph, Craig Innes, Orene Ai'i, Steve Devine, Xavier Rush, Finau Maka, Charles Reichelmann, Leo Lafaiali'i, Michael Jones, Kalau Fukofuka, Paul Mitchell, Paul Thomson (capt).

Waikato: Todd Miller, Roger Randle, Keith Lowen, Bruce Reihana, Matthew Cooper, Glen Jackson, Ben Willis, Deon Muir (capt), Marty Holah, Mark Cooksley, Chresten Davis, Tony Petero, Paul Martin, Guy Coleman, David Briggs.