Bridge rivals take their corners

Both camps are sounding more boxing than rugby in the countdown to tonight's NPC Battle of the Bridge at North Harbour Stadium.

Let's bring it on could be the catchcry as the senior Blues franchise partners look to steal a march on their rivals from the beginning of the final NPC campaign as we've come to know it.

"It's the perfect start to the season. We're ready to roll," said Harbour coach Allan Pollock.

To which Auckland captain Justin Collins talked of this match being half a step up from any other NPC game for both sides.

"The fact we both live in the same city; the fact we're franchise partners; the fact we all know each other pretty well; and the fact there's history between the two over 20 years.

"There's always a little bit of anger in these games. The ones I've played in haven't been any different and I don't expect it to be this weekend."

As always there's a couple of sub-plots to the match.

Neither union made the semifinals last year, Harbour finishing sixth, one spot ahead of Auckland.

As Pollock put it, that is not good enough for the biggest catchment area in the country. So both teams have a desire to remedy that.

Then there's the issue of Blues selection for next year's inaugural Super 14.

It is wrong to assume that players putting one over their opponents will get a decisive edge when it comes to the Blues.

Certainly it won't hurt, but there are a further eight rounds during which players will need to produce consistently good rugby.

The hosts more so, because there is a feeling on the north side of the bridge that they haven't had a fair shake with Super 12 selection.

Their new captain, Rua Tipoki, leads a team with plenty of new faces.

But he has the in-form Anthony Tuitavake alongside him in midfield and the pack includes the powerful Nick Williams at No 8, a quality lock in Greg Rawlinson, an experienced hooker in Joe Ward to go with a handful of players who know the NPC ropes.

Pollock likes what he's seen from his younger players in the leadup, and hopes they can thrive in an exacting environment tonight.

But it's Auckland who have the more seasoned campaigners.

Coach Pat Lam's problem is making the parts work.

A glance down the starting XV shows they have a superior backline and more experienced forwards.

On paper, it should transmit into a winning proposition, but paper will count for nothing.

Auckland have a handful of players worth keeping an eye on tonight.

Lam is a big fan of young lock Kurtis Haiu who in the absence of All Black Ali Williams, should get a few games to showcase his qualities.

Halfback Steve Devine, up against the former No 9 from North Harbour club rugby, Junior Poluleuligaga, can keep his name in the All Black selectors' thinking. Ditto Doug Howlett and the versatile Angus Macdonald, who is looking to make himself a permanent fixture at No 8.

Auckland have won three of the past five NPC clashes and have finished above Harbour in each of those years. Their losses, including the 34-32 defeat at Eden Park last year, have coincided with finishing below Harbour.

So, for those looking for omens, that's worth a thought at the final whistle.

* North Harbour Stadium, 6.05 tonight

North Harbour

Andrew Whiteman
George Pisi
Anthony Tuitavake
Rua Tipoki (c)
Zar Lawrence
Tusi Pisi
Junior Poluleuligaga
Nick Williams
Tom Harding
Brent Wilson
Marty Veale
Greg Rawlinson
Mike Noble
Joe Ward
Tony Coughlan

Auckland

Brent Ward
Doug Howlett
Ben Atiga
Isa Nacewa
Tony Koonwaiyou
Tasesa Lavea
Steve Devine
Angus MacDonald
Daniel Braid
Justin Collins (c)
Kurtis Haiu
Brad Mika
Nick White
John Fonokalafi
Saimone Taumoepeau

Reserves:

North Harbour: Roger Dustow, Adrian Donald, Anthony Boric, Rodney Voullaire, Craig McGrath, Jon Elrick, Alex Florian

Auckland: Semisi Telefoni, Daniel Muller, Bryce Williams, Jerome Kaino, Taniela Moa, Isaia Toeava, Jamie Helleur