Bay gear up for 'do or die' game

By CHRIS RATTUE

The Ranfurly Shield spotlight has fallen on 19-year-old Colin Bourke again as Bay of Plenty attempt a rally to fend off Canterbury's challenge at Mt Maunganui tomorrow.

The challengers, who have a great shield history, will have most hands back on deck with All Blacks Justin Marshall and Daniel Carter joining the starters, Marika Vunibaka back from injury, and Norm Maxwell included for the first time since his world travels.

Test lock Chris Jack continues to rest, as does Richie McCaw, who is still getting over head injury problems.

Bay of Plenty have elevated Bourke to the starters, and will decide today if fullback Adrian Cashmore (knee) and halfback Kevin Senio (ankle) are fit to play.

Grant McQuoid, who is dealing with the tragedy of his newborn daughter's death last weekend, will play and the Steamers say his courage will be a major motivation.

"He's shown a lot of strength. He's got the whole team behind him," coach Vern Cotter yesterday.

Bourke found a place in shield legend after coming on as a replacement in Bay of Plenty's win over Auckland, when his old Hawkes Bay union claimed the loan-for-transfer deal was not in order.

He will start at No. 8 tomorrow, with veteran forward Paul Tupai - who has battled a hip injury during the week - on the bench.

The 19-year-old Bourke is an unusual character, having played fullback, wing, centre and second five-eighths for Hawkes Bay.

But the New Zealand sevens representative is destined for the forwards, although there was a suggestion he would play as a back when the Steamers faced a midfield crisis this week.

Bay of Plenty were stung by their slack performance in New Plymouth, although shield holders often struggle away. Canterbury will provide a massive test of their resolve.

The big call from red and blacks coach Aussie McLean is in the midfield, where the free-running centre Casey Laulala gives way to Carter.

Laulala has deficiencies and Carter is a class act, but the move takes an attacking edge out of the backline. And it is experimental. Carter and Mauger played in the Crusaders midfield, but with Mauger at centre.

The move has won the backing of All Black coach Graham Henry, who told allblacks.com that Carter's distribution made him more suited to first five-eighths or centre, rather than his test slot of second five-eighths.

Back to the shield game. Bay of Plenty will also be desperate to get their NPC campaign going again. Players like captain Wayne Ormond, who is expected to sign a new Bay contract within days, will know they cannot rest on the applause they have had so far.

Cotter said: "It's do or die for us."

Bay of Plenty have yet to lose at Blue Chip Stadium, and the re-jigged Canterbury lineup might take time to gel.

But the holders would be hit hard if Senio and/or Cashmore are out, and have had a disrupted week with Rua Tipoki beating a dangerous tackle charge and McQuoid's tragedy.

On the plus side, aggressive openside Nili Latu returns from suspension. He helps set the tone.