QC checks Alcock eligibility

By CHRIS RATTUE

North Harbour could have their NPC play-off hopes wrecked by an eligibility row involving their South African halfback Chad Alcock.

And Alcock, former Springbok and a catalyst for North Harbour's turnaround in the last three rounds, could be thrown out of the NPC.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has appointed Nick Davidson, QC, to investigate Alcock's appearance against Southland and Wellington before an international clearance had arrived.

The case appears to be one of bureaucracy gone mad, with the fault lying at the door of Eastern Province union, but Davidson's appointment shows how seriously the NZRFU is treating the matter.

North Harbour netted five competition points in those games - a bonus point against Southland and four points in victory against Wellington - and lie sixth, two points adrift of the top four, with three rounds to play.

Davidson will make a ruling before North Harbour take on Taranaki at Albany tomorrow night.

He has been asked to look at the facts surrounding Alcock's appearances, his eligibility to continue in the competition, and what penalty, if any, should be imposed. A points loss would devastate North Harbour.

The clearance, required under IRB and NZRFU rules, was provided by Eastern Province and the South African Rugby Union on September 11. Alcock had played for North Harbour B and against Southland and Wellington by then.

The NZRFU said yesterday the delay was caused by "an administrative oversight" by Eastern Province.

Neither the union nor North Harbour will comment further until Davidson's findings are released.

Meanwhile, lock Troy Flavell - who has attended All Blacks trainings this week - has failed to make the North Harbour starters again.

Coach Russell Jones said Flavell had his most impressive 30 minutes for many games against Otago, but his absence from training, the form of others and the side's balance meant he would be on the bench.

"He has gradually built up his work rate and he will probably end up with a bit more game time this week," Jones said.

Super 12 centre Rico Gear returns from a two-month injury lay-off in the reserves. Taranaki have adjusted their backline to cover for the injured fullback Daryl Lilley.

North Harbour: Tusi Pisi, Hosea Gear, Anthony Tuitavake, Andrew Mailei, Rudolffe Wulf, Nick Evans, Chad Alcock; Ron Cribb (c), Matua Parkinson, Craig Newby, Greg Rawlinson, Marty Veale, Tevita Taumoepeau, Joe Ward, Tony Woodcock.

Res: Slade McFarland, Peter Bielski, Troy Flavell, Blair Larsen; Ben Meyer, Rico Gear, Karl TeNana.

Taranaki: Bryce Robins, James Kerr, Mark Stewart, Matthew Harvey, Shayne Austin, Mark Urwin, Craig Fevre; Brent Thompson, Neil Crowley, John Willis, Scott Breman, Paul Tito (c), Gordon Slater, Andrew Hore, Tony Penn.

Res: Daniel Smith, Tama Tuirirangi, Brendon McGlashan, Richard Bryant; Brendan Haami, plus another, Johnny Stewart.

NPC points table