Williams' absence unsettling for pack

By WYNNE GRAY

Just when they thought they had their All Blacks sorted, Auckland lost test lock Ali Williams yesterday on the cusp of their cross-border NPC skirmish with Waikato.

Williams had complained of headaches and was withdrawn from today's match in Hamilton. His place has been taken by New Zealand Maori lock Bryce Williams.

Instead of delving into the reserves where former All Black lock Bradley Mika was waiting, Auckland coach Pat Lam called Bryce Williams from the B team to bolster his lineout choices.

The late shuffle will not have helped the cohesion Auckland will need to counter a Waikato pack who will have been stung by their inability last week to take the Ranfurly Shield.

Waikato have not been able to reintroduce test loose forwards Jono Gibbes and Marty Holah, but the return of tighthead prop Deacon Manu after injury is seen as a boost to their plans.

His target will be to disrupt the Auckland scrum and lead the rushing momentum as he and the Chiefs did in their shock Super 12 win against the Blues this season.

Manu's scrummaging target at Waikato Stadium today will be Soane Tonga'uiha, the giant loosehead prop who played so well for the Pacific Islanders.

His reward was a start against Bay of Plenty but after the Shield loss he was overlooked for the patchy win against Northland. His return today sets up a watershed contest for the 22-year-old.

A return for Waikato fullback Todd Miller after his no-play-on-Sunday for religious reasons, suggests more direction and solidity for the home backline. Miller's ability to run into holes or set up outstanding wing Sitiveni Sivivatu will test the Auckland defence.

Auckland have been disjointed so far this year in defence of their NPC title. Too many forwards have bypassed their priority work areas and they have looked to carry possession instead of grafting.

Mose Tuiali'i's production and combination with Daniel Braid and Sione Lauaki should be a key to the result of this match.

Auckland's backs have also been a gathering of individuals rather than a concerted combination. Some of that uncertainty may have come from the revolving selections but this weekend may be the last for selection leniency.

New centre Jamie Helleur has his chance to impress, and Doug Howlett-lookalike Isa Nacewa is showing out in his switch to fullback.

The 22-year-old was used as a midfield back last season but in the absence of test fullback Mils Muliaina has shown he can adapt well to a change of job.

Nacewa, born in New Zealand and educated at Auckland Grammar, was called up for Fiji at the last World Cup and came on against Scotland. He played three minutes, never touched the ball and did not make a tackle.

That appearance, under IRB rules, means he is ineligible for any other country. "At the time it was the right thing to do. I might regret it down the line but not now," he said.

Nacewa has launched some thrilling counter-attacks this season from fullback where he has threatened with his speed and elusive running.

"He has got great pace but he also does all the little things well," Lam said. "His kicking and counter-attack is good and he reads the game well because he has played from 10 to fullback."

The NPC is a truncated series where any break on the field is a boost for a place in the playoffs.

Today's loser will feel more uneasy after an earlier defeat to Bay of Plenty.