Mitchell downplays Waikato chances

By CHRIS RATTUE

Waikato coach John Mitchell is claiming underdog status for his side's opener against Southland in Hamilton tomorrow night.

Waikato are rated as major favourites, with Southland paying more than $5 at the TAB, but Mitchell wasn't in agreement.

He has named a side with four NPC newcomers starting - blindside Liam Messam, prop Nathan White, centre Richard Kahui and wing Solo Korovata, who is yet another Fijian wing on the New Zealand scene.

Waikato have a rash of injuries to deal with which has given those players their chance, and led to Mitchell's underdog claim.

"Look at the difference in personnel. We are very new. They are very stable," he said.

Kahui was in the New Zealand under-19 side this year, but was forced out of the world tournament in South Africa with concussion.

Mitchell said the tall, sleek player was in the mould of Regan King - one of the many injured Mooloo players.

"He's a lot more physical ... but I guess when people see him they'll see him as a dead ringer for Regan." Messam, a junior and national sevens star, had a couple of non-championship games last year, and White made a low-key appearance two seasons ago.

Korovata has played for the Waikato Colts and B team.

Mitchell, dumped as All Black coach after the World Cup, said he had little time to observe the national side, having instead immersed himself in his Waikato tasks.

Over a 10-week period, he called many players into the set-up to observe their skills and character, and was looking to build for the future.

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