By WYNNE GRAY
Auckland's improvement throughout the NPC mirrors Xavier Rush's progress this season.
Coach Wayne Pivac wanted more from his robust No 8, he wanted his workrate up and more consistency with his defence. If those areas were settled, the attacking plans would follow.
"I think Xavier has matured as a player,
he has consistently achieved high tackling rates as well as running with the ball," Pivac said.
Auckland last night completed their preparations for tomorrow night's opening NPC semifinal against Wellington.
The home side are at full capacity. Craig Dowd and Robin Brooke return after missing the round-robin game against Wellington, while Craig Innes and Iliesa Tanivula have been recalled in midfield.
Wellington have just one doubt, with Alama Ieremia's tender hamstring keeping him bracketed with Tana Umaga. Brad Fleming is ready to come in on the wing.
"We have no reason to tinker with our team," Pivac said. "Defence is a big part of our game, while they have the attack.
"We have to get stuck into them up front, starve them of possession, or make it messy. Then it is a matter of what we do when we get the ball."
Rush was part of the Auckland team who beat Wellington for the title last season. If the improvement continues, the double is on.
"I think we have grown into another tight team in the last couple of years," Pivac said. "We are young but we have all now got that little bit more experience."
Rush is a prime case. Hauled into the Blues' Super 12 campaign as a teenager in 1997, the former NZ Colts captain was an All Black in a surprise pick the following year. "I was very green and very young," he said, "and it has taken a bit of time to bed in some experience.
"I think we have all got a lot better during this NPC. The defence has been an important part.
"Some of that comes down to fitness but, as Michael Jones once told us, 90 per cent of it is attitude and 10 per cent is technique."
