When bad beats worse, the champagne stays hidden

By CHRIS RATTUE

There's been no back-slapping around here this week.

Those were the words of North Harbour coach Allan Pollock, whose team take on struggling Southland at Albany tonight.

Under normal circumstances, a rare win over arch-rivals Auckland would have produced a celebratory tone in the North Harbour camp.

But there were such glaring deficiencies in their work - particularly the set pieces - that the cork was kept well and truly in the champagne bottle after Saturday's victory at Eden Park.

North Harbour's backs caused havoc on the sniff of an oily rag against Auckland, and should have far too much class for Southland.

The trouble for North Harbour now is that opposing sides will tear into their scrum and lineout, knowing how vulnerable they can be. The Harbour pack will be desperate to re-establish its credentials tonight.

Southland would seem to have little option but to play a grinding game, because Rico and Hosea Gear, Nick Evans, Luke McAlister and Co are likely to run riot if the game opens up.

Pollock has dropped prop Adrian Donald and brought in Mike Noble, the 130kg-plus former East Coast frontrower who had just one substitution appearance last year, and the same this season.

With Joe Ward rested, the lineout pressure will be on hooker Roger Dustow, and if there are early problems, former Southland lock Steve Jackson might get an early appearance.

Southland, who have brought in New Zealand under-19 captain and prop Jamie Mackintosh, were disappointing against a limited Otago side last week and will need to improve several notches to have any chance.


Waikato have brought back All Black forwards Jono Gibbes and Marty Holah for tomorrow's clash against Northland, who are out of their depth in the first division.

Deacon Manu has returned from a one-week absence for personal reasons, and halfback Isaac Boss will play at fullback for the injured Todd Miller.

Prop David Briggs and lock Toby Lynn are out with minor injuries.

Bay of Plenty, who take on Otago tomorrow, have been hit by the news that star halfback Kevin Senio is gone for the season with an ankle fracture.

Senio was given a reasonable chance of playing in last week's Ranfurly Shield game, but had to pull out on the morning of the game because of the injury, suffered while he was scoring a try against Taranaki in the previous round.

A scan has revealed a previously undetected break. He will need an operation and screws inserted, putting him out for two months.

The good news for Bay is that prop Simms Davison has been cleared of a suspected broken sternum and will play.

Canterbury, who take on Taranaki in the game of the round on Sunday, are expected to bring back All Black lock Chris Jack.

Centre Casey Laulala, who was knocked out against Bay of Plenty, has passed tests and is available, but All Black star Richie McCaw remains sidelined.

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