Rugby: Auckland focusing on the end game

Ash Dixon has moved off the reserves bench to play hooker against Northland tomorrow. Photo / Richard Robinson

A franchise trial, a coaching comparison, neighbours scrapping - there are many strands on show at Eden Park tomorrow when Auckland host Northland.

This national championship game pits teams coming off vastly different last-round victories. Auckland slogged through the slush against Bay of Plenty while Northland romped away from Manawatu.

That might suggest advantage Auckland if the dodgy weather continues to infect this part of the country. As coach Mark Anscombe acknowledged, his team had yet to play a game in decent weather.

"We'd like to think we would cope with tough conditions but we have to be able to cope with whatever is thrown at us," he said.

"If we are going to be a semifinalist in this competition we have got to be consistent and win these games.

"Northland had a great win last week and they've got some guys on loan or we have let go from here so they will also be looking to prove a point."

Anscombe spent three years coaching Northland, sandwiched between terms for Bryce Woodward who has recently been appointed assistant coach for the Blues franchise next season.

Woodward coached Northland last year when they played Auckland at Kerikeri and lost 32-13 in a memorable afternoon for the alternate venue.

"This game is a chance for our guys to show they want to be in next year's Super 14 and can also do a lot better than we did against [Auckland] pre-season," Woodward said.

"We struggled against their big pack. We also have to make sure we deal with their midfield backs running down the inside channels. If we can sort that out and are able to carry on attacking, who knows what will happen."

Woodward said his team had been allowed to rack up a huge win last week. Somehow they had to reach those sort of levels again.

The neighbours have made minimal changes with Northland picking Iwi Hauraki on the left wing and switching Bryce Heen to the other flank while Auckland have brought in Ash Dixon at hooker, Pauliasi Manu at tighthead and Brenton Helleur at halfback.

Anscombe said he wanted to judge other strong players in his squad and had spoken more about Auckland maintaining their momentum than being in a franchise squabble.

"We need to stay at the right end of the table. That is what this is about. Our defence has been really good so far in the competition but we need to be better with some of our decision-making."

AUCKLAND v NORTHLAND
Eden Park, 2.35pm tomorrow

AUCKLAND
Mark Anscombe
Brent Ward
Atieli Pakalani
Ben Atiga
Jamie Helleur
Dave Thomas
Matt Berquist
Brenton Helleur
Peter Saili
Daniel Braid (c)
Onosa'i Auva'a
A Van der Heijden
Kurtis Haiu
Charlie Faumuina
Ash Dixon
Pauliasi Manu
Reserves: Tom McCartney , Tevita Mailau, Liaki Moli, Chris Lowrey, Toby Morland, Ash Moeke, Charles Piutau.

NORTHLAND
Bryce Woodward
Lachie Munro
Bryce Heem
Jared Payne
Aaron Bancroft
Iwi Hauraki
David Holwell
Luke Hamilton
Cameron Eyre
Dan Pryor
Dean Budd
Mark Burman
Pat O'Connor
Bronson Murray
Mikaele Tuu'u
Matt Wallis
Reserves: Tim Dow, Ross Wright, Roy Griffin, Cam Goodhue, Rhyan Caine, Mateo Malupo, Adam Clarke.