Mapusua - backline battler in groove

Much of the inquisition has been about the Hurricanes scrum and whether it can hold against the might of the invading Highlanders tonight at the Cake Tin.

It does not take rocket science to work out the reasons, as Hurricanes hooker Andrew Hore noted.

"So it comes down to the tight five for us again," he said. "It always does, but especially this game because if we have an edge, it might be in our backline."

That was the conventional rugby wisdom this week as scrum doctor Mike Cron returned to work with the yellow and black pack after his tuition produced better results in their last match against the Waratahs.

Down in Highlanders country, where their side has rocked most Super 12 predictions, there is optimism their backline will offer much more than tackling practice for the Hurricanes.

Danny Lee, Nick Evans, Ben Blair have All Black letters in their rugby CVs as a counter to those of the Hurricanes Piri Weepu, Tana Umaga, Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu.

Then there is Seilala Mapusua who played for the Pacific Islanders last year and has formed an effective midfield combination with former national sevens rep Anthony Tuitavake.

Much of the Highlanders' backline momentum has come from Mapusua, 25, whose breaks, inside balls and offloads have brought loose forwards Josh Blackie, Craig Newby and Paul Miller into greater prominence.

Mapusua's contributions will have brought him nearer the national frame. Depending on the Highlanders' progress he may be required for the All Black trial or he could push for a place in the New Zealand Junior squad (formerly New Zealand A).

If that happens, Mapusua will face a tricky decision.

The Samoan-born midfielder remains eligible for the nation of his birth or New Zealand, where he arrived for his education in the 80s. Mapusua's selection in two tests last year for the Pacific Islanders did not affect his dual qualification.

"I played age-group rugby in New Zealand but I am also a proud Samoan," he said as he prepared for tonight's match.

"I am lucky to still have that choice. I have not worried too much about it. I guess it might come down to weighing it up by the time of the next World Cup."

Right now his thoughts are on the midfield confrontation with the incumbent All Blacks Umaga and Smith.

"They are the benchmark aren't they so I will be looking forward to that. We are confident we have the team to take out this game, we have believed it from the start.

"Of course it is not going to be easy but we think we have what it takes."

Mapusua should have played for PIRA last year against the All Blacks at Albany but was suspended for that test because of his dangerous tackle on Wallaby halfback George Gregan.

After discussions with Highlanders coach Greg Cooper, Mapusua has made several significant changes this season.

He has moved into second five-eighths from centre as the backline has adjusted to the inclusion of Tuitavake.

"Anthony brings a lot of enthusiasm and it is very refreshing for me to have someone new there," said Mapusua, who first played for the Highlanders in 2002.

"I like my shift, I am more into the close-quarter confrontation. Sometimes, playing at centre the ball never seems to get there although I did enjoy the space of playing that position."

Mapusua has spent a great deal of time working on finding his support players and has also made a point of improving his fitness.

"I was getting to the point in my career where I could go one way or the other, I could lead by example or just cruise along," he said.

"With the departure of some senior players, my maturing as a player and having the confidence of the coaching staff, I decided I needed to be in better shape."

That involved reducing portions of his favourite food.

"With my body type I had to cut down on the Island food. I had to reduce the portions I was having."

Mapusua said his weight hadn't altered much but it had been redistributed and he felt sharper and better balanced for the change.

Seilala Mapusua

Born: February 27, 1980, Apia
Height: 1.8m
Weight: 100kg
Province: Otago
Super 12 debut: v Sharks 2002
Test debut: v Australia 2002 (Pacific Islanders)
Caps: 2
Career: New Zealand U-21, 2001