Waikato wounded likely to be ready

Mils Muliana

Two of Waikato's three backs racing the fitness clock are looking good for tonight's national championship semifinal against Otago.

Fullback Mils Muliaina, who damaged a bicep tendon at training on Tuesday and first five-eighths Stephen Donald, battling a heavily bruised knee, both ran freely at Waikato's captain's run yesterday.

Their outlook is good. Promising centre Richard Kahui, who strained a calf muscle on Thursday, is the most doubtful of the three, but the word is he is confident he'll be fit.

However, Waikato have strength in depth. Reserve Dwayne Sweeney would be the favourite to take Kahui's place in a straight swap. The most obvious alternative for coach Warren Gatland would be a backline rejig, maybe involving Muliaina moving to centre, with either Loki Crichton or Sosene Anesi going to fullback.

A decision on all three is tipped to be left until shortly before kickoff.

There are four changes from last weekend's quarter-final win over Southland, captain Steven Bates, lock Jono Gibbes and loosehead prop Craig West returning to bolster the pack, and All Black halfback Byron Kelleher taking over from the impressive Brendon Leonard.

Waikato have done most things right this season.

Their only slip-up was a 24-21 loss on August 19 at Carisbrook, courtesy of a penalty by Nick Evans in the final moment, in a game they felt they should have won.

Ditto their 22-all draw with Auckland at Eden Park last month, when they squandered a 19-0 halftime lead.

And what of Otago?

They chose an ideal time to produce some of their best rugby of the campaign against North Harbour last Sunday. The trick will be backing up and producing the same level of intensity against more redoubtable opposition.

Those who write Otago off do so at their peril. They tipped over Canterbury at the same stage last year in Christchurch and have a clutch of quality players.

"It's starting to bug me because it shows a fundamental lack of respect," hooker Anton Oliver said of those giving Otago little chance.

There are a few things that can be counted on. They will have a muscular, formidable scrum; James Ryan and Adam Thomson will ensure competitiveness at the lineout; Evans can be a matchwinner; and Josh Blackie's battle with Marty Holah will be among the key personal squareoffs.

For captain Blackie, the key to winning is stopping Waikato's gamebreakers. The likes of Sitiveni Sivivatu, Sione Lauaki and Kelleher can be devastating. Otago will have devised strategies.

Blackie played down another six-day turnaround for Otago. They have had a few this season and privately players might be grumbling, but Blackie is philosophical about a week with two training sessions and a light run in Hamilton yesterday.

"Light trainings at this time of the year are the thing. As long as players look after themselves in terms of nutrition and sleep it's not a factor. It's all part of being professional rugby players," he said.

The ingredients are there for a belting contest.


Hamilton, tonight 7.35

Waikato
Mils Muliaina, Sosene Anesi, Richard Kahui, David Hill, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Byron Kelleher, Sione Lauaki, Marty Holah, Steven Bates (c), Keith Robinson, Jono Gibbes, Nathan White, Tom Willis, Craig West
Reserves: Scott Linklater, Aled de Malmanche, Toby Lynn, Liam Messam, Brendon Leonard, Dwayne Sweeney, Roy Kinikinilau

Otago
Craig Clare, Greg Zampach, Neil Brew, Callum Bruce, Matt Saunders, Nick Evans, Toby Morland, Adam Thomson, Josh Blackie (c), Alando Soakai, James Ryan, Filipo Levi, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Keith Cameron
Reserves: Jason Macdonald, Chris King, Ezra Taylor, Tim Boys, Chris Smylie, Charlie Hore, Luke Devcich