Air NZ Cup preview: Daft date robs fans

Auckland vs Bay of Plenty
Eden Park: 2.35pm

The lowdown: The real battle for Auckland this week has been holding their tongues. If someone from the province had aired a concern that it was utterly daft asking them to play at Eden Park a day after an All Black test on the same ground, he would have received a bit of support.

Someone at NZRU headquarters needs to realise that rugby supporters don't have magic pockets that never go empty.

Anyhoo, there was good news for Auckland this week - coaches Pat Lam and Shane Howarth will have charge of the combined Pacific Island team when they tour the UK later this year.

Look out for: David Smith on Auckland's right wing. He's a possible chance to make it into the Blues with both Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko likely to miss the early part of next season on reconditioning duty. And a tasty scrap up front where Ben Castle and Simms Davison are in fine fettle.

What we think: The one man and his dog who make it to Eden Park will most likely see a comfortable home win that will be secured later in the piece when a game Bay outfit run out of steam (pun very much intended).

Auckland: B. Ward, D. Smith, B. Atiga, J. Helleur, J. Somerset, I. Nacewa, S. Devine (captain), A. Blowers, D. Braid, J. Kaino, K. Haiu, B. Mika, J. Afoa, D. Witcombe, C. Heard. Reserves: L. Poching, N. White, J. Tekori, O. Tololima-Auva'a, T. Moa, L. Munro, R. Hansell-Pune

Bay of Plenty: C. Baxter, L. MacDonald, W. Hughson, C. Aporo, A. Tahana, M. Delany, J. Nutbrown, S. King, T. Latimer, N. Latu, B. Upton, M. Sorenson/W. Smith, B. Castle (captain), J. Pareanga, S. Davison. Reserves: S. Chisholm, J. Afoa, A. Rameka, W. Smith/A. Kuka, S. Moon/G. Cowley, M. Williams, R. Schuster.