Auckland keen to avoid shock loss

By WYNNE GRAY

Reminiscences will play a huge part tomorrow as Auckland start their NPC title defence against Bay of Plenty.

But there is one memory Auckland do not want to endure in this Eden Park match which doubles as a Ranfurly Shield defence.

While BoP coach Vern Cotter has publicly given his side no chance, Auckland are edgy about images of toasting a repeat BoP victory after the result which rocked the series last season.

That is the one celebration Auckland want to sidestep, otherwise they are ready for a host of reunions between former schoolmates, provincial pals and test comrades.

Visiting Adrian Cashmore, Rua Tipoki and Kevin Senio have connections with Auckland and the Blues, Auckland flanker Daniel Braid was born in the Bay, BoP midfielder Jeffrey Ierome captained Bradley Mika and Soane Tonga'uiha at St Peter's College and Tonga'uiha was part of the Pacific Islanders front row with Bay boys Aleki Lutui and Taufa'ao Filise.

Tonga'uiha's form for the Pacific Islanders against the Wallabies, All Blacks and Springboks reinforced Auckland coach Pat Lam's thinking that the 135kg loosehead prop was ready to take his place.

"When I looked at the weigh-in sheets and then I looked at what he does on the field I am amazed at what they get through," said Lam.

"They are not only big these guys, they are fit. I remembered when I played 110kg was a big player.

"Soane impressed on the PI trip and now he just has to step up to the plate for us in the NPC," Lam said.

Tonga'uiha will have some mobile tonnage with him with Braid at 98kg, the lightest by some measure in the Angus Macdonald-led pack.

There is also some muscle coming from the Bay with the Tongan frontrowers, captain Wayne Ormond and a strong middle row. If that group competes Auckland could be put under considerable pressure from the clever Glen Jackson and elusive Tipoki.

The 22-year-old Tonga'uiha has not made any phone calls to his BoP and Pacific Islanders mates since last week, his mind is on delivering for Lam and Auckland.

"I think the PI tour opened a few doors for me because I have been in and out of the Auckland side with Kees Meeuws and Nick White about," Tonga'uiha said. "I don't think Wayne Pivac was my biggest fan, he did not give me many chances and he wanted experienced players in there. However John Boe started me in every PI test and I loved it."

Tonga'uiha has worked hard on his fitness since he injured his arm last year after the World Under-21 tournament. His right bicep, alcohol and a plate glass window were not compatible in a celebratory homecoming after that competition.

He hopes to raise a victorious glass in a more dignified manner tomorrow.

* Auckland vs Bay of Plenty, Eden Park 2.35pm tomorrow

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