We have to stop moaning - Hewitt

Wellington captain Norm Hewitt wants his players to stop moaning and complaining when things go wrong during a game and get on with winning it.

Hewitt said yesterday that too many players were dropping their heads when mistakes were made and dwelling on the errors, habits he thought were eradicated during the 1999 season.

"Last year there was real self-belief that we were building on 99, and we got on that roll at home and then into the semifinal and final.

"This year, the heads are dropping again and there are bits of bitching and moaning - it's infectious, it's like a cancer."

Hewitt said that was the reason for the poor performances against Waikato and Bay of Plenty - losses which have left the defending champions needing to beat Southland tonight to stay in touch with the leaders.

Hewitt said what was required was an injection of enthusiasm "because that's infectious, too."

Wellington should win. They are a better side on paper, with six players who have worn the All Black jersey, including Christian Cullen at fullback.

The front row has been bulked up with the return of South African prop Morne van der Merwe and Mike Edwards, and there is plenty of experience in the side.

Lock Milton Ngauamo and wing Lome Fa'atau are the only non-Super 12 players in the starting XV.

History is also on Wellington's side. Southland's last trip to Wellington in 1999 ended in a 61-3 loss at Athletic Park, a record score and margin for Wellington in the NPC.

Southland have an awful NPC record. They have not won away from home since 1990 and have yet to win this year.

Their chances of ending such a dreadful run dipped on Thursday when Samoan first five-eighth Earl Va'a was ruled out with a knee injury.

Ashley Barron will make his first division starting debut in Va'a's place.

- NZPA