Jaded Aucklanders keeping their cool

By WYNNE GRAY

If there had been a choice, Auckland would have swapped Canterbury's preparation for their NPC duel at Eden Park on Friday.

The defending champions had all weekend to rest and recover while Auckland played Southland and then made their punctuated journey home from Invercargill.

"It has been a short week for us, we've had a lot to cram in a couple of days," coach Wayne Pivac said yesterday. "But that's the way it is at various stages of this competition. There is a quick turnaround.

"We had to have two trainings today and they are feeling the pinch a bit. It is not the ideal preparation. I would love to have role reversal but that's the way it is.

"They are tired but we had to plan it this way and now they can get in some decent rest before the game."

Canterbury played last Friday when they beat Northland and will name their side today, with first five-eighths Andrew Mehrtens expected to recover from a back strain. There is still doubt, though, about Caleb Ralph, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury.

"We are told Mehrtens will be fit," Pivac said. "We expect him to play. I think it might be a bit like us and Doug Howlett."

The All Black wing was told to miss Auckland's last game to make sure he was fully repaired from his groin strain. "We think he is the best wing in the country."

Howlett has been sharp at training this week and, with halfback Steve Devine, was reinstated for this much-anticipated match.

The pack is the same group which started against Southland while Howlett's reintroduction means Mils Muliaina will swap wing to take the place of Iliesa Tanivula.

Devine was also rested for the Southland match to make sure his ankle had healed properly.

"Dave Gibson has done everything right for us but Steve has been our No 1," Pivac said.

Auckland are second on the points table but will need a few more wins or bonus points in their tough run against Canterbury, Waikato, Otago and Wellington if they are to make the semifinals.

"Last season Canterbury beat us comprehensively twice," Pivac said.

"I would like to think we have improved. They have a lot to lose with 13 or so All Blacks in their side."

Auckland: Carlos Spencer, Doug Howlett, Eroni Clarke, Ben Atiga, Mils Muliaina, Lee Stensness, Steve Devine, Xavier Rush (capt), Daniel Braid, Justin Collins, Bryce Williams, Bradley Mika, Kees Meeuws, Keven Mealamu, Nick White.

Res: James Christian, Soane Tonga'uiha, Ali Williams, Angus MacDonald, Dave Gibson, Iliesa Tanivula, Brent Ward.