Air NZ Previews: Auks set to crack a Jack

Auckland vs Tasman
Eden Park, today, 2.35pm

The Lowdown: It's funny how you can win 41-10 and be criticised for not winning more convincingly or with more style. Auckland coach Pat Lam could have done worse than to bring in the boys from Queer Eye For The Straight Guy to give his team tips on playing the field with style after their 'shaky' performance against Manawatu last weekend.

The Auks are boosted by the return of All Blacks Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Isaia Toeava, Keven Mealamu and Ali Williams, while skipper Sam Tuitupou is fit after missing the Manawatu game through injury. On the treatment table, however, are James Helleur (gashed mouth) and Tasesa Lavea (hamstring).

There were unconfirmed reports Tasman would be organising a civil reception where they could hand the keys to the city of Nelson to Chris Jack after he said he was as "keen as mustard" to play at Eden Park today. It shows just how often Tasman expected Jack and Rico Gear, unavailable today with an ankle injury, to play for them given the pair are missing from the squad listed in the 2006 media guide.

Why Auckland will win: Because that's how the world works. Last year's NPC winners have 14 past or present All Blacks. Tasman have three and Jack has never played for them before.

Look out for: Big lock Kurtis Haiu to come in for some 'George Smith treatment' and have his big locks pulled.

Otago vs Hawke's Bay
Carisbrook, today, 4.35pm

The lowdown: The blue and golds face another of the new boys today and then take on luckless Northland in round three. In other sports, it might be called tapering - at the Herald on Sunday, we like to call it a dream draw which allows them to get up to speed before the business end of the season.

Otago, though, made heavy work of it last weekend beating Counties Manukau 23-19 but should have a better time against Hawke's Bay, who went down 45-0 to Canterbury in last weekend's season opener.

Last year's beaten finalists already had an All Black back (Anton Oliver) but are strengthened by the return of feisty halfback Chris Smylie.

The Magpies showed good ticker against Canterbury but while a healthy heart is important, they lack quality and depth.

Unfortunately, they will be without loose forward Nui Bartlett, who is recovering in a Christchurch spinal unit after breaking his neck against Canterbury.

One to watch: Nick Evans is making his way back from a serious shoulder injury but had a fine game against Counties Manukau. The 25-year-old has the World Cup in his sights but not as an interested spectator.

Listen out for: The famous Ooooootaaaaaaagooooo chant. It's a bit harder to hear these days, with fewer people scrapping for a spot on the terraces at the 'Brook, but it's still there.