Repeat a tall order for giantkillers

By WYNNE GRAY

Tucked away in the provincial rugby records is a fact Auckland do not want repeated tonight when they play NPC round one giantkillers Bay of Plenty.

The year after the First World War finished, BoP claimed their first provincial victim, Auckland.

The 25-16 victory in 1919 was probably as startling as BoP's win last week against defending NPC champions Wellington.

It was just the reminder for Auckland, if they needed any wakeups after their sluggish beginning against Southland, that any team without the right attitude can struggle in the first division.

BoP do not have any great stars, no players with stellar reputations - but under national sevens coach Gordon Tietjens they have been honed to remarkable fitness levels, which allowed them to hang in for the final frenetic moments of their opening win against Wellington.

But this meeting at the Rotorua International Stadium will be a much tougher exam for the Bay.

All week Auckland have zeroed in on this meeting. The controversy about loan players Jason Chandler and Dale Rasmusssen has concentrated rather than distracted their attention. They do not want to be the second top side to fall to the tyros.

This is the time to show the difference between those who have been near the top and those who aspire to make the ascent.

There is pressure among the Auckland squad, too, as players in several positions work hard to retain their places. But the quality throughout the side will be envied by most of their opponents.

The arrival of French test tighthead Christian Califano has already settled one of the side's problems and the return to fitness of loose forwards Justin Collins and Samiu Vahafolau is a boost.

The continuing confidence of Carlos Spencer and the exciting play of fullback Mils Muliaina suggest the breadth of talent.

BoP have lost two frontrowers, prop Steve Simpkins to suspension and hooker Thompson Tapsell with rib damage. Simpkins' ban for two weeks for rucking Rodney So'oialo should be a warning to everyone in the NPC.

Simpkins is nearing his 100 games for the Bay, but even his experience did not prepare him for this season's change that prohibits removing bodies with rucking.

"It certainly opened my eyes," said Simpkins after his trip to the judiciary.

"After all these years playing at the top levels, I guess it's my fault for not knowing the laws properly."

Simpkins was facing a nine-week suspension but his unblemished record saved him after he accepted that he was careless in rucking So'oialo.

"You can blow over them or ruck the ball but not the player - and to be frank, I had no idea that is now the interpretation of the rucking law."