Forward clout confronts all-rounders

By CHRIS RATTUE

Waiuku forward power and the work of first five-eighths Stephen Donald versus the all-round game of Pukekohe.

That is the likely scenario for today's Counties Manukau club final at Pukekohe Stadium.

With representative hooker Grant Henson leading a Waiuku forward pack that includes lock Ramon Lindsay - who is almost always among the top performers in the representative side - Waiuku are well-served up front. Lindsay missed the early part of the season because he was playing in France,

New Zealand Colt Donald, who will be the key pivot for Counties Manukau in their second-division campaign this year, should also be a major factor today.

Pukekohe's strength out wide will be reduced because injured Counties Manukau back Niva Ta'auso is unlikely to take part.

"Traditionally, Waiuku's strength has been in the forwards," coach Andy Dawkins said, "but we're a much better balanced side this year."

Still, Pukekohe should have an edge on the flanks through the presence of Chiefs wing Sitiveni Sivivatu, who is set to play his last season for Counties Manukau before transferring to a major union.

Pukekohe and Waiuku shared their round-robin clashes in tight battles this year, Waiuku winning the last encounter by just 12-8 on home turf.

Waiuku last won the club title in 2000 after a long absence from the winners' circle, and Pukekohe claimed the top prize in 1999.

Pukekohe: Gus Leger, Sitiveni Sivivatu, William Leolahi, Dion Lawson, David Wood, Troy Nathan, Kevin Farrell; Hapefila Liu, Rhys Cullinane, Anthony Jakeman, Kelvin Potter, Gareth Friedrich, Darren Butcher (capt), Mark Price, Tau Fainga'anuku.

Res: Koli Latailakepa, David Farrell, Keith Remnant, Viliame Setitaia; Niva Ta'auso, Gread Tiitii, Gavin Donald.

Waiuku: Leroy Nahi, Sosefo Kata, Harry Fleming, Duncan Bell, Andrew Thomson, Stephen Donald, Nic Makea; Maka Tatafu, Tevita Finau, Colin Marriner, Ramon Lindsay, John Kennedy, Mark Muir, Grant Henson (capt), Dave Stewart.

Res: Daniel Dalgety, Brad Williams, Mike Hayward, Travis Parry; Jason Olson, Neil Meachen, Tane Kiel.

Kickoff: 2.30pm. Referee: Nigel Bradley.