Auckland's young NPC guns ready to fire

An energetic and spirited atmosphere echoes around the rugby field at Dilworth School as the Auckland NPC squad goes through its paces.

For the final 10 minutes of training, the squad of 26 stand in a huddle, shoulder-to-shoulder, heads down, arms around each other.

What is said in the middle we'll never know but as the team counts down towards their August 13 competition start against North Harbour, all thoughts are about turning around last season's poor showing.

Last year they could manage only seventh place, losing the Ranfurly Shield to Bay of Plenty as well as games against Waikato, Wellington, North Harbour and Canterbury.

In training, the seriousness subsides after the huddle breaks up and the animated nature of the team returns.

In a team that has a distinctively young look, there seems to be no division between the young and old, no back-seat dominance.

Head coach Pat Lam, who has selected nine Auckland academy members in the team, agrees.

"The Doug Howletts, Justin Collins, Steve Devines and Nick Whites have been around a few years now and they're really nurturing them and keeping an eye on them and making sure they're fine," Lam said.

Their pre-season tour to Australia will give Auckland the perfect chance to develop even more as a team and also give Lam a chance to see everyone play.

"They'll all get the chance to play and we want them to feel comfortable in the environment and give them the opportunity to really express themselves and be part of the team," he said.

Lam, who works closely with Auckland academy's high-performance manager Geoff Moon in monitoring the young players, admits that he has been watching a number of the squad for the past few years.

"I work closely with Geoff and we stay in touch with the players and how they are coming through," Lam said. "I've had my eye on these guys that we've brought through for a few years, and now's their chance for an opportunity."

He has high hopes for the team and the upcoming season. "I believe these guys are talented enough that they're ready to go now and that's why they have been selected," Lam said.

There was a good feeling within the team, he said, and the Australian trip was a good chance to prepare and try to hit the NPC running.