Desperation hovers over Battle of the Bridge

By WYNNE GRAY

Where do you start assessing Auckland and North Harbour? It is not quite the dance of the desperates today at Eden Park but the loser will give the rest of the NPC sides a huge lead in the chase to the semis.

For sides expected to make up the bulk of the Blues next season, they have had little success in this year's NPC - just one victory between them and that a scratchy Auckland win against the third franchise partner, Northland.

The threat of compounding that spotty record will hang over both sides.

Harbour remain a side which needs to be convinced it can cut it in the top arena, while Auckland will be under even greater pressure because they have included a number of their All Blacks.

But only one of those returning is in the forwards and that is where Auckland have been troubled. They have been unable to establish a successful tight five unit to bring their loose forwards and the rest of the side into the game.

No 8 Xavier Rush will offer much stronger direction and the leadership will also be boosted by Carlos Spencer and Sam Tuitupou.

All week the talk has been about the squad being able to blend the internationals with the rest and how the coaching staff have devised a simple but effective style.

There was a similar positive feeling last week before the side crashed against Waikato. Anything but a victory today will increase the woes and anxiety.

Harbour must attack the game with that attitude. They know Auckland bring the reputations to this Battle of the Bridge fixture but Harbour also know they can create apprehension if they make a fast start.

If they can get a lead and develop some control, then they will be able to exert the sort of pressure which Auckland have not been able to live with this season.

Auckland have been susceptible on defence and some early lapses will reopen those concerns.

However, give both sides a share of decent possession and you would expect Spencer and his All Black backline to make more inroads. A rejuvenated Spencer is crucial to Auckland's progress but this is his first game back after a messy end to the All Black schedule.

His opposite, Tusi Pisi, is an exciting player, another who can make things happen, but he is still learning at this level and Auckland will look to intimidate him and attack his defence.

Personal duels will evolve: All Black flanker Craig Newby against former test loosie Daniel Braid; Nick Evans and Mils Muliaina; Tony Woodcock mixing it with John Afoa for scrum ascendancy; and Sam Tuitupou and Luke McAlister looking for the midfield advantage.

But it is up front where energetic Harbour skipper Joe Ward has to coerce his tight five to unseat the home crew.

Harbour have stood up to three useful opponents, Taranaki, Canterbury and Wellington, but come away with a draw and two narrow losses. Composure will be the call, as both teams have looked too frenetic at key moments in the opening three rounds of the NPC. Auckland will carry the weight of expectation, while Harbour will bring the hopes of beating their cross-city rivals for the first time since 2001.