Mehrts back as kicker

Andrew Mehrtens, so often Otago's nemesis, will get the chance to parade his full range of rugby skills for Canterbury at Carisbrook tonight.

Mehrtens first came to the notice of Otago fans when he kicked the late penalty goal which enabled Canterbury to retain the Ranfurly Shield, 22-20, in 1994.

Since then, whether for Canterbury or the Crusaders, Mehrtens has invariably caused the southerners major problems.

His ability to read a game, to ensure possession is turned into territorial advantage, is unrivalled among recent first-fives.

But there has been a part of Mehrtens missing this NPC season - Mehrtens the goalkicker. He has taken the occasional shot, but the duties have largely been entrusted to Ben Blair.

With World Cup-bound Blair unavailable tonight, Mehrtens will take over and that is a factor Otago should be wary of.

Tony Brown, Mehrtens' adversary over the years, will be in the No 10 jersey for Otago in an individual duel which may be pivotal to the outcome, although Willie Walker will be doing the goalkicking.

Otago are one point ahead of Canterbury at the top of the table and there is unlikely to be much between the unbeaten sides in the southern derby.

The Crusaders beat the Highlanders 17-16 at Carisbrook through a late penalty by Daniel Carter in the Super 12 and it may be similarly close tonight.Otago: Willie Walker, Aisea Tuilevu, Neil Brew, Seilala Mapusua, Brad Fleming, Tony Brown, Danny Lee, Sam Harding, Josh Blackie, Kelvin Middleton (capt), Peter Bowden, Filipo Levi, Ben Nolan, Anton Oliver, Joe McDonnell. Res: Tom Willis, Jeremy Aldworth, Warren Smith, Grant Webb, Toby Morland, Matt Saunders, Glen Horton.

Canterbury: Scott Hamilton, Joe Maddock, Casey Laulala, Alisi Tupuailei, Doug Tausili, Andrew Mehrtens, Ben Hurst (capt), Sam Broomhall, Johnny Leo'o, Norm Maxwell, Matt Dalziel, Campbell Johnstone, Tone Kopelani, Greg Feek. Res: Jed Vercoe, Chris King, Daniel Turner, Clark McLeod, Jamie Nutbrown, Charlie Hore, Mark Robinson or Ryan Glover.

Referee: Lyndon Bray (Wellington). Kickoff: 5.35pm. TV: Live on Sky Sport 1.

- NZPA