Spencer worry for Auckland

By WYNNE GRAY

Just a twinge, according to the medicos, but it was still disturbing for the Auckland side to watch their playmaker Carlos Spencer leave training yesterday because of a tender back.

After some kicking practice, warm-ups and drills, Spencer bypassed the final team run before Auckland play Canterbury in their NPC semi on Friday night.

He walked carefully up the steps at Eden Park and away for some treatment on an injury that has caused him a few problems this season.

Coach Wayne Pivac named a team with three changes from the side who started against Wellington in the last round. Injured prop Nick White has been replaced by Scott Palmer, lock Bryce Williams gives way to Bradley Mika and Ben Atiga comes in on the wing for Iliesa Tanivula.

There is also a new face in the reserves where national under-19 tighthead prop John Afoa joins the group instead of Soane Tonga'uiha.

Elevation for Palmer comes after a career which has included several stints with Auckland, two seasons with North Harbour, one with Thames Valley and six years in France.

The 31-year-old completed his masters degree in business administration last year and had immersed himself working in the commercial division for the National Bank.

Rugby was very much a secondary situation until another SOS from Auckland.

Palmer sat on the bench last week, but was into the fray when White damaged medial knee ligaments.

"I had to play about 50 minutes and I was a bit worried about that, but I suppose the old experience got me through," he said. "It's a big situation this week. I have never beaten Canterbury. It would be great to go out on a high."

Pivac said he had recalled Mika for some scrummaging power against his old Crusader mates, while Atiga had a high workrate and was a versatile defender who had also played fullback.

Auckland: Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina, Sam Tuitupou, Ben Atiga, Carlos Spencer, Steve Devine, Xavier Rush (capt), Daniel Braid, Justin Collins, Ali Williams, Bradley Mika, Kees Meeuws, Keven Mealamu, Scott Palmer. Reserves: James Christian, Ben Afoa, Angus MacDonald, Bryce Williams, David Gibson, Lee Stensness, Iliesa Tanivula.