Jackson's foot a worry for BoP tomorrow

Glen Jackson has thrown a big spanner into Bay of Plenty's preparation for their NPC first division match against Taranaki in Mt Maunganui tomorrow.

The talented first five-eighths hobbled out of training on Wednesday when lock John Moore - probably the heaviest Bay of Plenty forward - stood on his kicking foot during a drill.

Jackson, 27, missed final training on Thursday night, with Ray MacDonald taking his place, although he was named in the run-on side.

One of only two Super 12 players in the side, Jackson's importance cannot be underestimated, but yesterday he was confident he would be fit.

"I had x-rays on it and they came back clear, so I should be sweet for the game."

He has been receiving daily physiotherapy.

Steamers coach Vern Cotter was also optimistic: "Glen touches just about every ball in the game and he's an important decision-maker and a class player. We're 90 per cent sure he will be available so we will just go into the game with that positive frame of mind."

MacDonald has been named on the reserves bench, but could yet play a major part in the game.

The former New Zealand Maori, North Harbour and Southland player has been tagged for a utility role, but Cotter was confident he could slot in at pivot if needed.

"Ray has had two games at first-five for the development team and he's been polishing his skills, so if the team needs him, he would be 100 per cent. He's a good organiser and knows all our systems, so we're confident if he gets the opportunity he will make the most of it."

The doubt over Jackson blights the excellent injury record the team have had this season.

Cotter last night named the same starting forward pack for the fifth week in a row.

Aside from the doubts about Jackson, the only backline change from last week's narrow 24-20 loss to Otago at Carisbrook is Apoua Stewart filling in for Charles Baxter - who dislocated his shoulder in that game - on the left wing.

The aim for Taranaki is to maintain a strong start to the season and put behind them the disappointment of their Ranfurly Shield challenge in Christchurch last weekend.

Bay of Plenty: Damon Kaui, Anthony Tahana, Allan Bunting, Grant McQuoid, Apoua Stewart, Glen Jackson, Kevin Senio, Clayton McMillan (capt), Nili Latu, Wayne Ormond, Bernie Upton, Mark Sorenson, Ben Castle, Aleki Lutui, Simms Davison. Res: Ngarimu Simpkins, Taufa'ao Filise, John Moore, Paul Tupai, Nathaniel Walker, Ray MacDonald, Dale Rasmussen.

Taranaki: Daryl Lilley, James Kerr, Mark Stewart, Bryce Robins, Shayne Austin, Mark Urwin, Brendan Haami, Richard Bryant, Neil Crowley, Brent Thompson, Reece Robinson, Paul Tito (capt), Gordon Slater, Daniel Smith, Tony Penn. Res: Andrew Hore, Tama Tuirirangi, Scott Breman, Johnny Willis, Matt Harvey, Sam Young, Craig Fevre.

Referee: Gary Wise. Kickoff: 2.35pm tomorrow. TV: Live on Sky Sport 1.

- NZPA

NPC points table