Mauger preferred to Carter, against Henry's wishes

4.00pm

Canterbury rugby coach Aussie McLean has opted for Aaron Mauger ahead of Daniel Carter at first five-eighth on Saturday -- against the wishes of All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

McLean today named Mauger to start at No 10 against Northland, with Carter at second five-eighth and another All Black, Andrew Mehrtens, relegated to the bench.

McLean said in a statement his decision was based on what was best for Canterbury.

"I've got no doubt that Daniel can be an outstanding first five- eighth in the long term but if I had to put someone in there short term, I think Aaron is the better bet."

McLean said he had spoken to Henry. "I think it's fair to say he would have preferred to see Daniel at first-five, but he understands my reasons and isn't overly concerned.

"My first job is to do what is best for the Canterbury NPC team. I don't think it's bad for New Zealand rugby either."

McLean said Mehrtens was benched to give him a break and time to freshen up.

"We also felt that if Mehrts fell over, we needed to have someone there to replace him who had had game time in the position."

Lock Norm Maxwell is also being given a break, with Brad Thorn in the starting 15 and Kevin O'Neill, who played with Canterbury for the early part of the season, named as reserve lock.

Canterbury are fourth on the NPC points table going into the final round and still need to beat bottom-placed Northland to book a playoff berth.

Canterbury: Ben Blair, Scott Hamilton, Casey Laulala, Daniel Carter, Caleb Ralph, Aaron Mauger, Jamie Nutbrown, Sam Broomhall, Richie McCaw (captain), Reuben Thorne, Chris Jack, Brad Thorn, Campbell Johnstone, Tone Kopelani, Greg Somerville.

Reserves: Corey Flynn, Dave Hewett, Kevin O'Neill, Johnny Leo'o, Ben Hurst, Andrew Mehrtens, Marika Vunibaka.

- NZPA

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