Wellington wary of Waikato

Waikato's remarkable resilience in recent weeks hasn't been lost on Wellington coach John Plumtree in the lead-up to tonight's semifinal at Westpac Stadium.

"We've had an easier run [to the play-offs] whereas Waikato have been playing sudden-death matches in each of the past two or three weeks," Plumtree said.

That Waikato had reached play-off, with a long string of injuries not helping, was character building, he said. They would be prepared to operate at maximum when they needed to, which could spell danger for his Wellington team.

Wellington finished first in the round-robin and Waikato fourth, with the two teams in between - Canterbury and Bay of Plenty - meeting in the second semifinal in Christchurch on Saturday.

Plumtree wouldn't have any of the "home ground advantage" talk.

"It's good for the fans but you can't read too much into it."

Wing Lome Fa'atau, first five-eighths Riki Flutey and loose forward Scott Waldrom are over their niggling injuries and have been included in the side.

Plumtree has been preparing the team expecting to be without his top blindside flanker Jerry Collins, who was suspended for two weeks last night after last Saturday's dangerous tackle on Southland No 8 Paul Miller.

The horror run Waikato has had with injuries has continued.

Wingers Sitiveni Sivivatu and his replacement, Solo Korovata, have joined the growing casualty list. Versatile back Richard Kahui will start on the wing.

Waikato have lock David Duley and halfback Byron Kelleher on the bench. Both players have just recovered from injuries.

Winger Roger Randle, 30, is also on the bench. He hasn't played for Waikato since he was injured about 17 months ago, but has played a number of games for the B side.

"We've been patching ourselves up, it seems, after every weekend," coach John Mitchell said. "So it's a credit to the focus that our players have brought to the matches over the past few weeks when we've had to play under pressure."

Mitchell, though, is under no illusions about facing the in-form Wellington side.

"We were well beaten, smashed up front and penetrated through the backline," Mitchell said of the teams' round-robin encounter. "They've been running hot lately, with about 160 points in their last three games. No matter what troops we put on the field, it's going to be a challenge for us."

Canterbury have been impressive in their last few games.

They beat Waikato and Auckland away and last week thumped Northland in a Ranfurly Shield defence at Jade Stadium.

"In the NPC, each weekend is a separate episode," coach Aussie McLean said.

After an epic shield win over Bay of Plenty at Mt Maunganui earlier, Canterbury need little reminder of the Steamers' ability.

"They have some good players and have used them well," McLean said.

Canterbury, stacked with All Blacks, are clear favourites.

Justin Marshall is set to return at halfback after being out with injury, and at lock Norman Maxwell, after a week's rest, should be fit.

Canterbury have not lost at Jade Stadium this season.

Bay of Plenty's achievements this season have led to recognition at a higher level for coaches Vern Cotter (Crusaders assistant coach) and Joe Schmidt (Blues assistant coach).

Cotter said his team put in a relentless defence effort against North Harbour last week.

"It has left us a bit fatigued but it was good to get a match of that intensity," he said.

Nelson Bays host Hawkes Bay in the division two final and Poverty Bay host Wairarapa-Bush in the division three final. Both matches are also on Saturday.

"It's great to be not only in the final but also to be hosting it," Nelson coach Wayne Love said.

But he did not think that playing at home, even with a 34-32 win over Hawkes Bay a fortnight ago, would be too much of an advantage. That win boosted Nelson Bays' confidence

It will be Hawkes Bay's fourth consecutive division two final, which they won in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

"There certainly won't be any lack of focus," coach Kieran Keane said.

Until two weeks ago, Hawkes Bay had not been beaten since losing in the 2000 semifinal against Nelson Bays.

Coach Kiwi Searancke was far from satisfied with Poverty Bay's first-half performance against Horowhenua-Kapiti last week.

"We can't afford another 40 minutes like that," he said. "But in that spell Horowhenua-Kapiti were outstanding."

There is no chance Tom Solomon and Sefton Alexander will recover from injuries in time for the game.

Wairarapa-Bush coach Peter Russell said they would have to improve markedly for the final.

"We were happy with the win but not overly pleased with our performance," Russell said of last week's semifinal win against Mid Canterbury.

The win came at a cost for Wairarapa-Bush. Wing Joji Tamani broke his arm again and has been replaced by utility back Ben Couch.

- NZPA

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