Testing time for Northland bottom-dwellers

By CHRIS RATTUE

It's do or die for Northland in their quest to avoid facing the NPC promotion-relegation game.

Their coach, Donny Stevenson, conceded that defeat against Bay of Plenty tonight, which would be their sixth consecutive loss, means they would end up in the promotion-relegation game.

Even a win at Rotorua's International Stadium might not be enough to lift Northland clear of having to travel to a second division venue where they will fight for their all-important place in the top division.

Stevenson said: "It's make or break. Absolutely. It could be the defining moment of our season.

"If we win we're still in with a shot, but if we lose we will definitely start looking at tapes of the second division games."

The Northland coaches and players held an "honesty session" on Wednesday night where the Bay's performances this year were a central theme.

"They are a similar province to us with the same resources - they have got where they are without a team of stars," Stevenson said.

"They've got that never-say-die attitude. They always keep themselves in the game and if you do that, you've always got a chance.

"We've got guys with ability - three guys have played over 100 games, there's a couple of All Blacks, New Zealand Colts - but we're not applying ourselves for the whole 80 minutes."

Lee Jones shifts from lock to No 8, where he plays club football, to cover for the injured Jake Paringatai.

Lee Peina comes in at halfback for Sam Payne, who is struggling with a calf injury.

Meanwhile, Rotorua mayor Grahame Hall is urging supporters to get behind their team for the match.

He said a big crowd would make a difference for Bay of Plenty as they look to build on their successful "home" season.

Mt Maunganui has become the team's base and Bay of Plenty have scored both their wins there, over North Harbour and Taranaki.

NPC points table