ITM Cup: Auckland look good but not convincing

Wayne Pivac's side have been anything but convincing in the opening two rounds. Photo / Getty Images

Take a quick look at the ITM Cup ladder and you'd think Auckland had made a convincing start to the season.

Two wins, one of which came with a bonus point, see Auckland sitting near the top of the Premiership standings, but Wayne Pivac's side have been anything but convincing in the opening two rounds.

A scratchy win over North Harbour was followed by an even less impressive outing against Manawatu in Palmerston North last week where Auckland had to come from behind to find a way past the Turbos - a side laced with semi-professionals and youngsters. But it's early days and it's unfair to write Auckland off yet, it could be worse.

Auckland skipper Hadleigh Parkes said given the mix-and-match nature of the ITM Cup it would take a few weeks for his side to click.

"It is still early days in the competition. We are only 2 weeks in to it so I guess a lot of teams are still finding their feet and people are coming back from Super Rugby sides and people are coming up from club sides," Parkes said. "So I think it will take a few games but I'm sure in the next couple of weeks we'll see every side start to put some good performances out on the park."

Auckland can right the ship in terms of execution when they host Bay of Plenty at Eden Park this afternoon. Parkes said his side had to be weary of a Steamers outfit who will be boosted by the injection of All Blacks flanker Sam Cane and will be full of confidence after they held off Hawkes Bay 24-20 last weekend.

Bay of Plenty dealt to Auckland 37-16 in Rotorua last year and will travel up the North Island with the belief they can produce a similar result given Auckland's slow start to the season. The Steamers will be without lock Culum Retallick and his place will be taken in the second row by debutant Johan Bardoul.

Auckland fans will be given the rare opportunity to watch hooker Keven Mealamu play for the province as he will make his first Auckland appearance in five years when he starts in the No 2 jersey.

Parkes joked he would have no problem barking orders at Mealamu despite his extensive experience in the game. "His career speaks for itself. He's a phenomenal player," Parkes said. "It's going to be awesome to have him in the team this week and he's already brought a little bit of experience to the field this week in training and I'm sure he'll be looking forward to putting on the blue and white hoops again."

Auckland, who start as comfortable favourites with the bookies, will also have All Black Charles Piutau at fullback as part of a dangerous backline. Keep an eye on Auckland's loose forward trio of Peter Saili, Luke Braid and Sean Polwart.