Everybody can have a bad game, and we did. These guys have all proven that they can handle adversity. We're in the midst of a little adversity.

It's a matter of how the bullpen looks as to whether Bell goes in there or Crow goes in there. Bell won't be ready for a start for another 10 days.

There is nothing wrong with [pitching by committee] in mid-week [games]. It creates unique problems for hitters. I think it creates more problems for good-hitting teams than it does for the other teams.

You can't grieve too much ? you're down two infielders right now. You just have to try and work your way through it, that's all.

They've shown flashes of what they are about so far, so have we. So the team that best puts its imprint on the game will probably get the points!

It's been pretty tough on him with it hanging over his head. On Monday, I think, he had something like 26 interviews to do. But now with the book launch over he's been able to relax a bit. He had a good sleep last night and went flying yesterday (Wednesday). He's pretty focused now.

It's as much about good communication and trust as anything, but we're pleased with how it's come along and you saw the value of it last weekend when we were able to keep a pretty useful Canterbury side at bay.

It seems like our close game victories are tied to our relief pitching. Anytime you can come from behind and win, it's a morale builder because the more you do it, the more you believe you can.

This is the sort of game where those guys lead the way and the younger players will be looking to feed off their direction.

They are the form team of the competition and unquestionably New Zealand's number one team,