Dougie's back for the big one

By WYNNE GRAY


All Black wing Doug Howlett has earned a rapid recall as Auckland battle to defend their NPC title.

But there is still no place for his test team-mate Joe Rokocoko in the side to meet Canterbury at Eden Park on Saturday.

Utility Brent Ward remains on the left wing, where his goalkicking and low error rate have impressed coach Pat Lam.

"You can see why he has played for a number of franchises because he kicks strongly, he knows how to play the positions and he does a lot of work off the ball as well," Lam said.

The decision to retain Ward means Rokocoko will have to make an impact from the bench again.

But his international colleague Howlett is back after testing his form and fitness last week against Southland B.

"It was good for Doug to have a run for the Bs with no pressure," Lam said.

"Now he's right into a pressure cooker game but he is used to that and revels in these sort of games."

Also back is loosehead prop Saimone Taumoepeau, who missed the last game because of his no-play-on-Sunday religious beliefs.

The Auckland scrum performed strongly in Invercargill, but Lam said Taumoepeau earned his place because of his previous form.

He was a central figure in Auckland's domination of the North Harbour, Wellington and Taranaki scrums.

Taumoepeau will receive a much sterner workout on Saturday when he competes against test tighthead Greg Somerville and the unity of the Canterbury pack.

Two forwards not considered for this match were lock Angus Macdonald and flanker Justin Collins.

Neither has recovered from ankle injury.

Lam said he was treating this match as another "finals" week - a game where defeat would scupper Auckland's chances of making it to the playoffs.

A fortnight ago Lam thought his side needed two maximum points victories before this weekend.

That target had been achieved, he said, and the aim on Saturday had to be about achieving a result.

Gaining a bonus point was not the priority. Victory was the prime focus in what would be a momentous match. It would not be difficult to lift the side, as the occasion would see to that.

Meanwhile, Canterbury hope to make some decisions today about any further disruptions to their backline.

Halfback Justin Marshall is out with a knee ligament strain, and an ankle injury is causing concern for centre Casey Laulala.

Second five-eighths Aaron Mauger is also an uncertain starter because of the impending birth of his first child.