The key to the NPC

By WYNNE GRAY


If Wellington want to repeat their famous 2000 Grand Final victory against Canterbury they must subdue Richie McCaw, according to the legendary Jonah Lomu.

As a world-class flanker, McCaw often made the difference in a close match and Lomu felt that was the key to tonight's NPC final at the Cake Tin.

Lomu, who continues to recover from his kidney transplant, will be at tonight's match although he will not present the Wellington side with their jerseys as he did before their semifinal win against Waikato.

However the massive wing who scored twice in Wellington's memorable 34-29 upset win against Canterbury four years ago, predicted his old mates could emulate that victory.

He did not see Wellington as anywhere near the underdogs they were that year in Christchurch. Nor did he feel they would freeze. "I don't think they have been anxious in the spotlight at all," he said.

"They have not been fazed about the big games this year, they have turned it on, they have looked sharp all year and they have been a bit of a bogey side for Canterbury as well."

Lomu said Wellington had to continue as they had all season. They had been clinical and obviously trusted their patterns.

"Canterbury always back their defence and have McCaw," he said.

"You have got to take him out of the game because they recycle turnover ball so well with him. Richie is fantastic, every time he plays he performs to the very highest levels. He is a leader as well and Canterbury look to him."

Four years ago, the rookie McCaw watched from the grandstand as Wellington shocked the red and blacks.

Captain Rodney So'oialo and All Black skipper Tana Umaga are the only Wellingtonians who started that final to return tonight while Canterbury bring seven who began that match.

They also have gathered momentum in the second half of the series, as they showed with their ruthless destruction of Bay of Plenty in the semifinal.

Lomu conceded Canterbury had the experience but knew Wellington would apply themselves as they did in 2000, they would attack the game for "their mates, family and friends".

"This is their chance to show out against the name players."

Lomu denied his heart was dominating his brain in his assessment.

"Both say Wellington can do it," he countered.

"I think it will be a tight game, there will not be a huge margin but if Wellington are as clinical as they were last week, I think they will bring home the title. It should be a heck of a game and it has certainly got the best two teams."

Judging some of the individual contests may be just as crucial for the All Blacks selectors who will attend the final before settling on the 32 players they will reward on Tuesday.

Another explosive game from Ma'a Nonu will increase the debate about the pile of midfielders shooting for national selection.

A compelling performance from blindside flanker Kristian Ormsby in place of the suspended Jerry Collins could have both in the tour party.

Ever since Troy Flavell went offshore, the panel have been searching for a ball-carrying flanker. Jono Gibbes and Reuben Thorne are more setpiece players but Collins, Ormsby, Craig Newby, Sione Lauaki and Jerome Kaino are the contenders.

And the work of Canterbury tighthead Greg Somerville may also be very influential.

If he is left at tighthead then Joe McDonnell tonight, Saimone Taumoepeau and Carl Hoeft become the loosehead contenders with Tony Woodcock.

If Somerville is seen as an option at loosehead prop then Neemia Tialata and Deacon Manu come into the frame. Those are the subplots to what should be an intriguing conclusion to this year's NPC.


NPC fixtures, results and standings
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