Shield loss makes it tough for Auckland

Sam Tuitupou wasn't that upset at being denied the chance to challenge for the Ranfurly Shield in Christchurch tonight.

It would have been nice, but having North Harbour win the shield for the first time meant the Auckland skipper made a few dollars at the TAB, and anyway that wasn't the primary focus for his team this season.

But what both Tuitupou and his coach Pat Lam expect it will mean is a hurting Canterbury at Jade Stadium.

"They don't lose three in a row and they always get up for Auckland, so this week is going to be huge," Lam said.

The thought of Canterbury dropping three successive Air New Zealand Cup games is novel.

They were beaten by Wellington thanks to an after-the-hooter try by Ma'a Nonu, then lost the shield with a poor effort against North Harbour.

The last time Canterbury lost back-to-back games was in 2003, when Otago and Southland toppled them on consecutive weekends. As they'd already lost to Fiji earlier in the season, and were then beaten by Auckland in their final round robin match it was a rare modest season for Canterbury.

But the importance of this match is clear; if Auckland win they face the prospect of three successive knockout matches at home. Win them all, and they retain their championship title.

Victory tonight will mean Auckland cannot be headed in the Top Six playoffs. Lose and they'll still be at home for the quarter-finals, and probably the semifinal as well.

For Auckland to be bumped from the top two requires them to lose without getting a bonus point, and Waikato and North Harbour to play out a high-scoring draw, each picking up a four-try bonus point.

Waikato and Harbour have both had rocky times in their relationships with Auckland, but to conjure that up would stretch even David Copperfield's powers of jiggery pokery. To think of Auckland arriving in Christchurch - their form this year notwithstanding - as favourites requires a double take. But just as Auckland have been rattling up the tries and tightening up their defensive operation, Canterbury have been off their game.

Their halfback Andy Ellis wondered if his team's problems this season boil down to attitude, or lack of it.

"At trainings we have maybe not been hard enough on ourselves. I think one of the reasons we have been so successful is because of our attitude."

Daniel Carter rejoins All Black backline chums Leon MacDonald and Aaron Mauger tonight. Far from an "oh bother" attitude, Lam is delighted, invoking the "we want to play the best" line.

Opposite Carter will be a revitalised Tasesa Lavea, who had a strong game as Otago were taken apart last weekend.

"Tasesa is a quality player. We back him and he really makes our game happen. He gives our team a lot of confidence," Lam added.

If things are getting wonky tonight, Lam can turn to a bench which includes four All Blacks - hooker Keven Mealamu, lock Ali Williams, utility back Isaia Toeava and, fitness permitting, wing Joe Rokocoko.Canterbury v Auckland
Jade Stadium, tonight, 7.35

Canterbury:
Leon MacDonald, Scott Hamilton, Casey Laulala, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Hayden Hopgood, Kieran Read, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, C. Johnstone, Corey Flynn (c), Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves:
Tone Kopelani, Ben Franks, Issac Ross, Michael Paterson, Kevin Senio, Stephen Brett, Stephen Yates

Auckland:
Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou (c), Isa Nacewa, Tasesa Lavea, Steve Devine, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Andrew Blowers, Kurtis Haiu, Brad Mika, Nick White, Derren Witcombe, S. Taumoepeau.

Reserves:
Keven Mealamu, Tevita Mailau, Ali Williams, Onoso'i Tololima-Auva'a, Taniela Moa, Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko/David Smith