Marshall in the dark over Lions' high-flying rookie

Experienced campaigner that he is, Canterbury halfback Justin Marshall will still step into the unknown in Saturday's NPC first division final against Wellington.

Marshall, 31, has never marked Wellington's rising halfback Piri Weepu, 10 years his junior.

Weepu is being touted as a possible All Black contender for the forthcoming end-of-season European tour, while Marshall is tipped to be rested from the trip to allow for succession planning.

But whether it is his last game of the season or not at Westpac Stadium on Saturday, Marshall will not be easing off on the newcomer.

"I just remember in my early days I didn't like my opposite to get the better of me, whether he was the All Black incumbent or just an average player," he said.

"Now I'm more of a team man and the result is more important than the individual battle.

"We are both going into the unknown I guess, but I am always aware of my opponent."

Marshall said the first time he had seen much of Weepu was last weekend when he watched Wellington's semifinal against Waikato.

He noted that Weepu's general game did not fall apart, even though he was having an off-day with his goalkicking.

"It didn't seem to bother him and that is a sign of a mature player."

- NZPA

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