Kennedy takes a shot at the big one

Casey Laulala

Ross Kennedy gets a first start for his new union tomorrow - and if he likes big occasions this one should do.

Kennedy joined Counties Manukau on loan from Wellington late last month and, after one appearance off the bench, will run on at Jade Stadium to attempt to help relieve Canterbury of the Ranfurly Shield.

Kennedy's arrival means coach Kevin Putt can move in-form Kristian Ormsby to blindside flank in what is largely an unchanged line-up from that which recorded Counties' first win of the Air NZ Cup against Southland last Sunday.

The only other change is at second five-eighth where Nigel Watson starts in place of teenager Male Sa'u.

Counties have pushed Canterbury close down the years but the shield is yet to lodge itself in Pukekohe. The likelihood that drought will end tomorrow is slim, but if Counties want an incentive they may get it by taking a glance down the Canterbury line-up.

They might feel they're not getting due credit for a creditable campaign.

Cameron McIntyre captains Canterbury, which gives a first-class debut to under-21 flanker Michael Paterson. All up, coach Rob Penney has made eight changes from the side that beat Otago in a tight contest last weekend.

All Black Casey Laulala returns from a hamstring injury and there are heavy-hitters on the bench, including skipper Corey Flynn, veteran Caleb Ralph and rising halfback Andy Ellis.

"Counties has been one of the big improvers of the season, and to beat Southland so comprehensively will have done wonders for their confidence," Penney said.

"They are a difficult side to play as they are always prepared to have a go and will attack from any position."

Counties Manukau are skinny in shield experience, but first five-eighth Blair Feeney knows the ropes.

"I've played in three or four challenges and I know what I'm in for," he said. "There are some young guys and this is all new for them. It's just about doing the best we can."

* Waikato's task is straightforward against Northland in Hamilton today.

Win and nab a bonus point and they finish top of pool B, thus ensuring two home games in the top six playoff. The temptation would be to play the full-strength combination. But coach Warren Gatland has shown belief in his squad by making changes to the starting XV and left Jono Gibbes and in-form Liam Messam on the bench.

One positional switch has Sosene Anesi moving to right wing to replace the injured Roger Randle, opening a door for promising Dwayne Sweeney to get a run at fullback.

Others to return today include regular captain Steven Bates, lock Toby Lynn, who was in good form before being sidelined by injury, All Black flanker Marty Holah, and first choice first five-eighth Stephen Donald.

Injury has forced a late change to the Northland line-up. Lively hooker Tim Dow has withdrawn due to a back injury, Jamie Pinder getting his spot.

Experienced loose forward Justin Collins has been restricted in training by a stomach virus, but will start.

* The most even game of the round, on paper, is Bay of Plenty hosting Taranaki at Mt Maunganui tonight.

Neither have hit their best form this season, but expect a tough battle between the respective packs.

Tries have not been plentiful for either: the Bay have scored nine, Taranaki seven. The winner seems certain to get two of their three repechage games at home. And the Bay are to lose Junior All Black lock Bernie Upton at the end of the season. He is returning to play for Wellington.

* Tana Umaga returns from his thumb injury and is on the bench for Wellington in their home game against Tasman tomorrow. Coach John Plumtree has brought in a new halfback-first five combination in Alby Mathewson and Jimmy Gopperth.

Cory Jane is on the wing, replacing Lome Fa'atau, who is dumped from the squad, and Serge Lilo gets a run at openside flanker. Wellington are safe for the top six playoffs but have done little to commend their chances beyond that. Tasman should give them a real contest.

* If Hawkes Bay are looking for an incentive to topple Southland in Invercargill today (assuming Counties don't lift the Shield) a win will mean they will get a couple of home games in the repechage