Cam's Corner: Triple-header ABs match-up a rare treat for Taniwha and fans

NEVER would Northland rugby fans have thought they would be able to watch the Taniwha going head-to-head with the All Blacks, but they will.

On August 8, Northland, North Harbour and the All Blacks will share three 40-minute "halves" at QBE Stadium in North Harbour as part of the respective regional teams' build-ups for the Investec Rugby Championship and the ITM Cup.

The Northland Rugby Union says it is none of their doing, and that it has been North Harbour running the show along with All Blacks manager Darren Shand.

Either way, what it means is that Northland rugby fans will be able to watch the likes of Taniwha flanker Dan Pryor face off against Richie McCaw or Sam Cane - or even how halfback Tane Takulua will go at that higher level, seeing as he wasn't given a chance by the Blues earlier this season.

What about Otamatea first-five Dan Hawkins against the likes of Aaron Cruden or Beauden Barrett? I'd be pretty keen on that.

The 40-minute match will see the All Blacks in their training strip with no fuss around anthems or hakas, but even still our team will be able to rank themselves against the best in the world.

No doubt some will say the All Blacks taking on Northland is like leading lambs to the slaughter, but what sort of attitude is that?

In high performance sport, we often talk of taking something away from those trainings or games where you are either getting pumped or don't want to be there.

This could be the case for our boys and it's a challenge to them to step up - and when you've just tackled the world's best flanker, or winger, or first-five, I'm sure there won't be a shortage of excitement.

Certainly, All Blacks' coach Steve Hansen has given the triple header the thumbs up .

"We have found this format to be a real 'win-win-win' scenario," Hansen said.

"It's great for us to get some training matches in against some quality opposition as we round out our preparations.

"It's also great for Harbour and Northland as they prepare for the domestic competition, and it's fantastic for the fans who will be able to come and see all three teams play some open, exciting rugby."

Well done Mr Hansen for getting in behind such events. Hopefully we can get a good contingent of Northlanders down to North Harbour to support our boys in blue.

GAME OF THREE HALVES

6pm All Blacks v North Harbour.

6.50pm All Blacks v Northland.

7.40pm North Harbour v Northland.