Rugby: Brothers crank up their rivalry

Auckland rugby player Daniel Braid will face brother Luke. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The rivalry goes sibling deep and also pits halfback Taniela Moa against his old mates when Bay of Plenty host Auckland in their first home game this season in the national championship.

Loose forward brothers Daniel (Auckland) and Luke (Bay) Braid will go up against each other for the third time after several provincial duels and a clash in this year's Super 14.

"It's good playing against the little bro. When I went overseas I didn't think I'd get the chance to play against him again. I'm sure he's getting sick of losing to me but I'm very keen to beat him again," Daniel Braid quipped.

That chance comes as Luke Braid returns for the injured Solomon King, while Auckland have replaced injured wing Chay Raui with Dave Thomas for tomorrow's game at Mt Maunganui.

Auckland coach Mark Anscombe has emphasised decision-making to his side this week in the hope they can convert pressure into points in this third-round clash against a Steamers side Anscombe considers one of the strongest in the competition.

After leading for much of last week's game, Auckland surrendered their advantage in injury time against Waikato to lose 18-21 while the Bay impressed as they demolished Hawkes Bay 30-11 in Napier.

"I was very impressed with their game ... I'm expecting a formidable challenge," Anscombe said.

Auckland have won 44 of their 55 encounters against Bay of Plenty, and last lost to the Steamers in 2004.

BAY OF PLENTY v AUCKLAND
Bay Park, 2.35pm tomorrow

BAY OF PLENTY
Toby Arnold
Lelia Masaga
Brett Mather
Grant McQuoid
Lance MacDonald
Phil Burleigh
Taniela Moa
Colin Bourke (c)
Tanerau Latimer
Luke Braid
Culum Retallick
Luke Andrews
James McGougan
John Pareanga
Josh Hohneck
Reserves: Simon Chisholm, Joe Savage, Aiden Kuka, Sam Cane, Chad Tuoro, Dan Waenga, Ben Smith.

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