Mika lock, stock and barrelling

By WYNNE GRAY

Large, ball-carrying forwards commonly inhabit the midfield in modern rugby games.

Sometimes from setpiece, often after several phases, one of the mountain men is whistled up to cart the ball on - someone like Auckland's Bradley Mika, who has been used that way in the NPC.

Using skilled forwards out wide is a prevalent tactic in rugby league, applied with great effect by the Warriors through Ali Lauiti'iti.

That success is no surprise to Mika, who is mates with, and used to play against, Lauiti'iti when they starred in the Auckland secondary schools rugby competition. Lauiti'iti played centre for Otahuhu College, Mika No 8 for St Peter's.

"Ali was just a great centre then, so hard to contain," Mika said. "He had all the skills and the size, too."

Not that Mika lacks physique. He weighs about 120kg, stands a fraction under 2m and, say the Auckland trainers, has plenty of speed.

He also forgets to mention he was such a fine prospect at St Peter's that Auckland coach Wayne Pivac picked him from school for his provincial debut, in 1999 against Northland.

But Mika is modest, diffident and wants to be on the park instead of facing the media.

His Auckland career has not boomed since his debut. There were a few games in 2000 and only one last season before a knee injury.

The 21-year-old lock thought he had wrecked his chances of a Super 12 contract. There was no room for him in the Blues, but as the Crusaders waited to hear about Brad Thorne's availability or whereabouts, they approached Mika to be his replacement.

"When they told me I did not think it would happen, and anyway I was not that keen because I did not want to go away from my family.

"But when the deal came, my parents insisted and I flatted with [Aucklanders] Nick White and Orene Ai'i, and that helped."

Mika started in half the games as injuries affected Chris Jack and Norm Maxwell, and was a prominent part of the Crusaders' pack, one of the go-to ball-runners.

They asked him to stay on and Mika admits it was a wrench to leave the red-and-blacks.

"I thought about staying - I still do - but I have another year on my contract with Auckland."

And if his form continues, Mika should be involved next season with the Blues. He believes there is a tighter feeling to the Auckland side - something that was tested after the opening NPC defeat by Taranaki.

"That was a shock but we are coming right. I am loving my chances to run. The hard part is doing the lineouts, scrums and mauls," he chuckles.

"But I love rugby for the way you meet new people and do a lot of travelling."

Auckland: Carlos Spencer, Doug Howlett, Ben Atiga, Eroni Clarke, Iliesa Tanivula, Lee Stensness, Steve Devine, Xavier Rush (capt), Daniel Braid, Sione Lauaki, Bradley Mika, Bryce Williams, Kees Meeuws, Keven Mealamu, Soane Tonga'uiha. Res: James Christian, Nick White, Ali Williams, Justin Collins, David Gibson, James Arlidge, Mils Muliaina.

Bay of Plenty: Grant McQuoid, Sam Hala, Nick Collins, Dale Rasmussen, Jason Tiatia, Glen Jackson, Rameka Poihipi, Clayton McMillan, Wayne Ormond, Dave Gorrie, Mark Weedon (capt), Dave Duley, Guy Shepherdson, Aleki Lutui, Daniel Godbold. Res: Robbie Simpkins, Taufa'ao Filise, Greg Rawlinson, Rodney Voullaire, Chris Le Lievre, Damian Karauna, Anthony Tahana. Kickoff: 2.35pm tomorrow. Referee: Steve Walsh (North Harbour).