Mystery virus adds to Auckland's woes

Auckland's problems increased yesterday when captain Xavier Rush fell victim to a mystery virus which has hit the side before Saturday's NPC match with unbeaten Wellington.

Illness has affected the Auckland squad in what seems to be a similar problem to the woes which struck the All Blacks this season.

Brent Ward, Ben Atiga, Nick White and Angus Macdonald have suffered, Daniel Braid fell ill the day after the loss to North Harbour, and Rush could not train yesterday.

"Some guys recover in 24 hours, some take two days, some take three days, so it is just wait and see," coach Pat Lam said.

His concern showed in the selections, where Rush was bracketed with Mose Tuiali'i and Braid - who was back at practice yesterday but not running - with Jerome Kaino.

Doctors will check Braid and Rush today to see if they have a chance of playing in round five this weekend.

If Rush does not recover, hooker Keven Mealamu will captain the side.

Blindside flanker Sione Lauaki was the only loose-forward not affected by the bug, which causes weakness and diarrhoea.

Lam denied that Lauaki was lucky to keep his place after a quiet NPC start. "He is doing the job for us, but where I am very fortunate is that I have good backrow cover."

Lam has made only one change to the side who started against North Harbour, returning Brent Ward to the wing.

But other alterations could come, depending on illness and how Kees Meeuws scrubs up after returning to the squad this week.

Ward, a Hurricanes draft player for the last two seasons, has been picked because of his goalkicking prowess and knowledge of conditions at the Cake Tin.

"It is a bit tougher to kick there as the wind really swirls," he said.

Lam preferred to talk about Ward's ability rather than Auckland's lack of kicking success against Harbour.

Carlos Spencer goaled three from six and Atiga missed his one attempt.

The coach was also encouraged by the work of his tight five last week and was especially complimentary about loosehead prop Saimone Taumoepeau.

He had been chosen for his scrummaging, and had delivered on that and in his work around the field.

Lock and initial captain Angus Macdonald has recovered from concussion, but is not back in the side because Lam wants to keep the tight five who played so well last round.

Another lock, Ali Williams, is still unavailable after being concussed against Northland.

Wing Doug Howlett is still resting his shoulder injuries and may be ready next week.

Utility Charles Riechelmann had shoulder surgery yesterday.

* Long-time provincial loose forward Justin Collins will return to rugby on Saturday in Wellington after heart surgery.

He will play for the Auckland B team after being cleared by doctors to resume contact sport.

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