Waikato hurt by late loss of Hill

By CHRIS RATTUE and NZPA

Waikato's NPC semifinal plans have been struck a late blow with first five-eighths David Hill forced out of tomorrow night's clash against Otago, suffering from yet another groin problem.

Hill, a strong prospect for the All Blacks' end-of-year tour, collapsed in the final minutes of training and was immediately ruled out.

Derek Maisey, an unlikely star of Waikato's early-season campaign, will start in the semifinal, while Bruce Reihana will resume the goalkicking duties in the match at Waikato Stadium.

Halfback Rhys Duggan has been given a strong chance of playing, despite the major knee problem he appeared to suffer against Bay of Plenty.

Loose forward Jono Gibbes and halfback Isaac Boss have also made quicker-than-expected recoveries from serious injuries.

Hill's defection means Loki Crichton will join the reserves, even though coach Ian Foster said he had been concerned that Crichton's shoulder injury was not properly healed.

In the major selection decision, vice-captain Mark Ranby has been left on the bench, so the Hautapu club pair of Keith Lowen and Regan King will be reunited in the midfield.

Foster said: "Rammers started the season as my No 1 midfield back, but he had a major shoulder injury and I felt Lowen and King really established themselves through the competition.

"But I'm still planning for Mark to have a major role in this game."

Foster said it was a blow having Hill pull out so close to the match, but Maisey had been an integral part of the playing side already this year.

Hill's latest injury may not be be exactly in the area where he has had previous problems, but it will be a bitter blow, especially when he appeared to be striking the sort of form that could win him a second All Black tour.

Meanwhile, Otago named a predictable line-up for the semifinal, with Josh Blackie again winning the openside position ahead of All Black Sam Harding.

* Waikato are headed to the Employment Court to fight an NZRFU ruling that prop Deacon Manu must play his rugby in Auckland for the next two years.

Manu signed a two-year contract with Auckland in July, but has since changed his mind, citing a change of personal circumstances, and wants to stay in Waikato.

* Bay of Plenty's Thompson Tapsell became the first player to be suspended for referee abuse after appearing before an NZRFU judicial hearing in Wellington yesterday.

The committee has previously given warnings for abuse, but in this instance Tapsell was suspended for a fortnight following two incidents during the development competition match between Bay of Plenty and Waikato in Tauranga on Saturday.

Tapsell directed further crude and abusive language towards the referee after being sinbinned for similar behaviour earlier in the match.

Stiffer penalties, it is hoped, will curb the increased incidence of referee abuse.

In yesterday's other hearing, Bay of Plenty's Paul Tupai was censured for a high tackle on Waikato's David Hill, but cleared of using a swinging arm.