Getting past the shield hangover

Sione Lauaki trained at Waikato Stadium yesterday but it is not known if he will play on Sunday. Picture / Sarah Ivey

The coming-of-age party or a wake.

Whichever way you look at it, it's probably not the best of preparations for a game against the national provincial rugby competition's two form teams.

North Harbour and Canterbury face that self-inflicted scenario this week as they shake off contrasting Ranfurly Shield hangovers to take on Waikato and Auckland respectively as the final home quarter-final berth is finalised.

Auckland, Waikato and Harbour can relax - they are already assured a top eight sudden-death game on their turf, leaving Canterbury and Wellington (both on 25 points) to scrap for the last spot.

Wellington have the first crack, and a five-pointer at Carisbrook tomorrow night will ensure Canterbury will have to return to the scene of their last-minute 24-26 loss on September 17 to stay alive.

However, if Otago, on 23 points, recover from last week's 41-point mauling by Auckland and get up - or at least deny Wellington a bonus point - Canterbury can still redeem themselves for Sunday's muddled shield concession against the defending champions, who have the luxury of adding Doug Howlett, Ali Williams and Keven Mealamu to their stocks.

Whether Canterbury already know their fate or not by kickoff at Jade Stadium, coach Rob Penney will understandably roll out the red and black carpet for a well-rested Dan Carter on Saturday night.

Carter's return will see Cameron McIntyre relegated to the bench, though the remainder of a bumbling backline are likely to survive a Penney purge when he names his team today.

His chastened squad were obliged to sit through a "low-lights" package of the 21-17 shield defeat and for many of the experienced backs, it made uncomfortable viewing before a two-hour training session on Tuesday.

"It's a disappointment that will live with them for the rest of their lives," Penney said, adding: "We can't afford ourselves the luxury of self-pity. We've got a big job ahead of us."

Harbour, meanwhile, approach Sunday's trip to Hamilton in a better frame of mind, though they also have a challenging - and potentially rewarding - assignment at Waikato Stadium.

Both sides are tied in second spot on 31 points, two behind Auckland, so the winner can pencil in a home semifinal, and prepare for a quarter-final opponent promoted from the repechage groups.

Harbour got back to business on Tuesday, although today's shield parade is another happy diversion.

Another obstacle also looms with past results suggesting the match could be beyond Harbour, who hold the shield for the first time in their 21-year history.

There is no shortage of teams failing to recover and switching on in time for a game following the euphoria of annexing New Zealand rugby's oldest prize. Harbour coach Allan Pollock said there would be no resting on the laurels.

"If we are going to be in the top two we have to win it, it's as simple as that. We know that Waikato, after the way they dealt to Wellington [37-21 last week], have plenty of forward muscle and backs who have guile and pace."

Part of that muscle is contributed by Sione Lauaki, who found himself in bother this week after a post-match punch-up with Auckland player Roimata Hansell-Pune was revealed.

The Waikato Rugby Union would not reveal the extent of disciplinary action taken and with Warren Gatland to name his team tomorrow, it is not immediately apparent if he will be penalised by way of game time.

Meanwhile, there is plenty riding on the outcome of repechage games with either Southland, Northland or Tasman able to join Bay of Plenty in the second lifers club.

Unbeaten Southland, on eight points, hold the numerical advantage, although if Tasman, on five, beat out-of-contention Taranaki on Saturday afternoon in New Plymouth, the Stags will need a positive result in Whangarei on Sunday.

Northland can also get through with maximum points providing Taranaki come to the party.

Pride is all that is left to play for in the other repechage pool. Counties Manukau host Hawkes Bay on Saturday while BoP can leave Manawatu as the only province without a win should they prevail in Palmerston North tonight.

- NZPA