Teenager gets his big chance playing for Auckland

By WYNNE GRAY

The contrast is vast ... but it is also one reason teenager Ben Atiga has been selected to make his NPC debut for Auckland this weekend alongside midfielder Eroni Clarke, who will be playing his 150th match.

It was a choice almost forced on the coaches after Tane Tu'ipulotu damaged a hamstring against Northland and replacement Sam Tu'itupou hurt a hand.

Coach Wayne Pivac was impressed by Atiga when he played in the NPC curtainraiser in Whangarei last Friday, and thought of him when he was casting around for another second five-eighths.

"We have also had him a lot at training, he has played plenty of top football at under-19s and colts level and we have every confidence in him," Pivac said.

"He has been earmarked as a player of huge potential for some time, and we think he is ready. It is also great for him that Eroni and Lee [Stensness] are there with their experience to help him through.

"But we think he will be fine anyway."

Atiga played fullback for the Colts side in South Africa this year but has played in the threequarters for other teams.

He is one of three changes - all in the backline - in the Auckland side to play North Harbour at Eden Park on Saturday.

All Black wing Doug Howlett has recovered from the leg strain which prevented his comeback against Northland.

Halfback Steve Devine has flown to Australia because of a family bereavement and his place has been taken by David Gibson.

"Dave came on for us in the opening game against Taranaki and he knows the drill at this level," Pivac said.

"He will just be better prepared for this game because Steve will miss a few trainings, though he will be back to sit on the bench."

Pivac was able to drill his side again yesterday in strong sunshine and on a firm surface which officials hope will remain for Saturday's twilight start at 5.35pm.

After the disappointment of defeat by Taranaki in the opening round, Pivac was far happier with last week's form reversal against Northland.

But he will demand more this weekend as he looks to have his side stay in touch with the NPC frontrunners.

His challenges will be aimed at the tight five where he will want more urgency and impact. There were signs of that unity against a strangely lacklustre Northland pack, but Harbour is likely to deliver more forward opposition than last week.

Harbour are expected to name their side today.

Auckland: Carlos Spencer, Doug Howlett, Eroni Clarke, Ben Atiga, Iliesa Tanivula, Lee Stensness, David Gibson, Xavier Rush (capt), Daniel Braid, Justin Collins, Ali Williams, Bradley Mika, Kees Meeuws, Keven Mealamu, Nick White. Reserves: James Christian, Scott Palmer, Craig De Goldi, Bryce Williams, Steve Devine, James Arlidge, Justin Wilson.

* Southland No 8 Paul Miller will miss Saturday's Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury after being suspended for a week by the New Zealand Rugby Union's judicial committee yesterday for head-stamping.

The committee accepted Miller's actions in stamping on the head of Wellington prop John Pale last weekend were not deliberate but reckless.

Miller said missing such an important game was disappointing, but he would not appeal against the decision.

East Coast captain and No 8 Horace Lewis, sent off for stamping on a Thames Valley opponent's head last weekend in Paeroa, had his case adjourned for a week.