Alby Mathewson wants All Blacks jersey

PHIL REID

PROUD DAD: Alby Mathewson cradles his three-week-old son, Nixon. Tonight Mathewson plays his 50th match for Wellington.

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Alby Mathewson still sees himself as the "class clown", but a new son to care for and an All Blacks jersey to chase has added a serious side to this year's ITM Cup.

The Lions halfback will clock up his 50th appearance for his province against Northland tonight and says he's come a long way since his debut in 2006.

"I'm taking a bit more of a leadership role this year. The boys sort of look up to me even though I'm a bit of a clown," Mathewson said.

"It's still a bit weird. I'm still the class clown, but I go home and see there's this little baby there and I think, `I better pull my head in a bit'."

The 24-year-old has had a lot on his plate in recent weeks with the arrival of his first child, Nixon (now three weeks old), a test debut and a pending shift to Auckland at the end of the season.

Changes off the field have helped Mathewson put his rugby situation in perspective.

He was devastated in the days after missing out on All Blacks selection following a standout Super 14 with the Blues, but has turned his disappointment into determination.

"I've been able to come back and forth, play a bit of club, a few NPC games. I was lucky enough to play that Barbarians game and keep some form, but in the back of your mind you are worried your form will dip if you don't play.

"It was frustrating in a way [missing out in the All Blacks], but it's easy to keep focused because I know I'm there or thereabouts. I just have to bide my time and keep playing well and hope I get my shot.

"They are really happy with how I'm playing, but there's just more experience with Jimmy [Cowan] and Piri [Weepu] I guess."

In other words, bide your time and put consistent performances on the track for Wellington and an end-of-year tour spot beckons.

Mathewson hopes he's on a plane to Europe when the ITM Cup finals roll around, but after being a part of four straight NPC finals losses, is still hellbent on helping the Lions address their title drought.

"When I was young I was just happy to be there, but now its frustrating. Year in, year out, we have a quality team but, come finals time, we buckle.

"I guess I don't really want to be there [if the Lions make the finals], but hopefully Wellington is there. I just want to do my bit as much as I can.

"This is where I started. Wellington's pretty much made me as a player. All my professional rugby has been played here and all my good friends are here.

"It is sad leaving, but with the Super 14 it's too hard coming back and forth every six months.

"It was hard enough this year being in Auckland and having to shoot back all the time."

So, while the cheeky grin will never be far from Mathewson's face, there is one serious ambition behind his farewell season.

Meanwhile, the return of All Black Victor Vito at blindside flanker and Lions captain Rodney So'oialo at No8 gives Wellington a clear edge in the middle-of-the-table clash.

Wellington are expecting a wide game from a Northland side that likes to move the ball at pace and get the ball to its dangerman Rene Ranger, who starts today's game in the No13 jersey.

Wellington's midfield pair of Charlie Ngatai and Shaun Treeby have the job of containing Ranger. Besides Ranger, the other familiar name in Northland's lineup is first-five David Holwell, who continues to make light of his 35 years.

How They Line Up

Teams for the ITM Cup match between Wellington and Northland: Where and when: Westpac Stadium, Wellington today, 5.30pm. Wellington: Apoua Stewart, Julian Savea, Shaun Treeby, Charlie Ngatai, Hosea Gear, Fa'atonu Fili, Alby Mathewson, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Scott Fuglistaller, Victor Vito, Mark Reddish, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Dane Coles, John Schwalger. Reserves: Ged Robinson, Jacob Ellison, Faifili Levave, Dean Brunsdon, Ruki Tipuna, Lima Sopoaga, Alapati Leiua. Northland: Jared Payne, Bryce Heem, Rene Ranger, Aaron Bancroft, Iwi Hauraki, David Holwell, Rhyan Caine, Cameron Eyre, Dan Pryor, Dean Budd, Mark Burman, Pat O'Connor, Bronson Murray, Mikaele Tuu'u, Matt Wallis. Reserves: Tim Dow, Ross Wright, Paea Fa'anunu, Roy Griffin, Luke Hamilton, Adan Dewes, Lachie Munro. Referee: Richard Kelly. TAB: Wellington $1.17 Northland $4.50

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