Northland under no illusions

Don't expect Northland to alter their traditional approach when they square off against Wellington in their opening NPC joust this afternoon.

Free of the relegation yoke for the first time in years, Northland could be forgiven for adopting a more attacking strategy, if it weren't for the fact that they're already known as one of the more enterprising sides in the competition.

And nothing much is likely to change at Whangarei today when the Cambridge Blues try to ambush Wellington with set-piece accuracy and expansive back-play.

Coach Bruce Hodder said yesterday he was sure that next year's new 14-team format was already having an influence behind the scenes, but he doubted the absence of relegation would give his players a free licence. "The players may feel a little more free to express themselves, but it's not something we've talked about, and I'm not sure if it'll make any difference," he said.

"We're under no illusions about what we're up against in the opening match.

"Apart from about three players, the Wellington team have all played Super 12 rugby, including three or four of their bench."

Northland, buoyed by returning first five-eighths David Holwell, had a torrid and abbreviated build-up to the first round, as Hodder tried to ensure that his players bridged the gap between club and NPC intensity.

He said yesterday the recent experience of club finals on the Saturday, a match against North Harbour on the Tuesday and another against Waikato on the Friday, had helped bring the team up to speed.