Bates braced for clear-headed Harbour assault

Steven Bates can only imagine what's going through the minds of North Harbour's players as they put Ranfurly Shield rugby festivities behind them.

But he's fairly confident the new holders of the Log of Wood will arrive in Hamilton clear headed for Sunday's top six Air New Zealand Cup clash.

"I think a few extra days will suit them," Bates said of the week's break between Harbour's historic victory over Canterbury.

The Waikato captain has only had one tilt at the shield - an unsuccessful trip visit to Christchurch last year.

"I can't say I know what they feel like but they'll be ready to play and they'll have a lot of confidence," the blindside flanker said.

"It (shield-winning celebrations) could affect them though it could also bond the team together.

"They'll come down here with extreme confidence and a North Harbour team with extreme confidence is dangerous."

Although both sides are assured of hosting a home quarterfinal, the winner will finish in the top two with Auckland and face the easier prospect of repechage qualifier.

While Bates believed Harbour would hit town in a buoyant mood, the home side are also not lacking self belief after last Saturday's impressive 37-21 demolition of Wellington.

"We're pretty confident, if we turn up to play we'll be fine," Bates said after training today.

Despite losing backs David Hill and Sosene Anesi plus hooker Tom Willis to injury Waikato coach Warren Gatland can still name a formidable line-up including his complete complement of All Blacks.

Mils Muliaina will debut for his new province at fullback while Byron Kelleher starts at halfback after being on the bench last week.

Muliaina, who transferred from Auckland last year, will play in his usual fullback position, after being used by the All Blacks at centre this season.

Gatland said Muliaina was raring to go after his compulsory post Tri-Nations rest period.

"Mils has just fitted in and there's no pressure on him this weekend. I want him to go out and enjoy himself on his debut," he said.

Kelleher switches roles with the promising Brendon Leonard.

"I was pleased how last week worked with Brendon starting (against Wellington) and Byron coming off the bench. While I was tempted to go that way again, I wanted to let Byron slot into the starting team this time," Gatland explained.

All Blacks wing Sitiveni Sivivatu will also feature on the left flank, pitting him against fellow Fijian Vili Waqaseduadua, Harbour's two-try hero at Jade Stadium.

England-bound midfielder Hill strained a hip against Wellington to rule him out while Anesi (groin) and Willis (ankle) are also likely to be back next week.

Hill is replaced by Dwayne Sweeney while Muliaina takes over from the utility at the back.

Up front former All Blacks lock Keith Robinson had no ill effects following his comeback from a serious back injury last week and will play just his second first class game since 2003.

"It's great to have him back around," Bates said.

"Apart from his physical attributes, mentally he brings some steel to the pack."

Meanwhile, Sione Lauaki's punishment for a post-match punch has not extended to him missing out on game time, with the former All Blacks loose forward included by Gatland.

Lauaki, reprimanded behind closed doors by the Waikato Rugby Union (WRU) following an incident with Auckland reserve centre Roimata Hansell-Pune on September 16, will start at No 8 leaving Liam Messam as loose forward over on the bench.

Waikato: Mils Muliaina, Roy Kinikinilau, Richard Kahui, Dwayne Sweeney, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Byron Kelleher, Sione Lauaki, Marty Holah, Steven Bates (captain), Jono Gibbes, Keith Robinson, Nathan White, Scott Linklater, Craig West. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Ted Tauroa, Toby Lynn, Liam Messam, Brendon Leonard, Loki Crichton, Roger Randle.

- NZPA