Auckland and Southland ready for a big wet

The midweek weather saved Auckland some trouble at training.

They had plans to put on the sprinklers at Eden Park and use a sack of wet rugby balls to duplicate conditions they may face against Southland in Invercargill today.

But those artificial tactics were not needed, as the rain sluiced down at practice, the wind drove in and Auckland went through a decent preview of what might be in the deep south. If it is fine, no problem, as Auckland has been favoured with useful conditions this season.

Either way, this game has to be won before Auckland contemplate the tough run home against Canterbury, Waikato, Otago and Wellington if they are to make the semifinals.

In assessing the first part of their schedule, Auckland have shown a defensive strength equal to the best in the competition, mixed work from the pack and a backline that has speed, invention and counter-attacking intentions.

Of those ratings, most inspection today will be on the pack.

Southland have a united group, blokes who want to muscle up, who want to test the commitment of their opposition, who like to hit and run. If they see any Auckland fragility, a dropoff in their workrate, Southland's forwards will be under the whip from captain Corey Flynn and halfback Jimmy Cowan.

They will back it up with a testing kicking game from Ashley Barron, looking for the sort of pressure which finally told when they upset Wellington.

It should not happen to Auckland. Even if they cough up a try or two, they have the speed and skills to put more past a resolute Southland. If they don't, they can kiss the final four goodbye, and plans to celebrate coach Wayne Pivac's 40th birthday will go on ice.

This game will test Auckland's resolution and that of some players who want to make things happen too fast. It should be a match for percentage rugby, not some of the fancy frills stuff which can overtake the young Auckland side.

In the tight five there has to be more unison, more drive, better ball protection. Auckland have to contain the local pack before they go wide with a group of backs who have the skills to penetrate and win the game.Wynne Gray

Teams:

Auckland: Carlos Spencer, Mils Muliaina, Eroni Clarke, Ben Atiga, Iliesa Tanivula, Lee Stensness, David Gibson, Xavier Rush (capt), Daniel Braid, Justin Collins, Bradley Mika, Bryce Williams, Kees Meeuws, Keven Mealamu, Nick White. Res: James Christian, Soane Tonga'uiha, Ali Williams, Angus MacDonald, Steve Devine, Sam Tuitupou, Brent Ward.

Southland: Richard Newman, Pailate Fili, Hayden Martine, Seremaia Bai, Roy Hawker, Ashley Barron, Jimmy Cowan, Paul Miller, Ben Herring, Hale T-Pole or Iona Sipa, Steve Jackson, Daniel Quate, Clarke Dermody, Corey Flynn (capt), Keith Cameron. Res: David Hall, Brett Roberts, Andrew McClintock, Sipa or Justin Matheson, Jason Harrison, Anthony Lafaiali'i, Brian Milne.

Referee: Gary Wise (Hawkes Bay). Kickoff 5.35pm.