Rugby: Different teams, same rivalry

Robbie Robinson. Photo / Christine Cornege.

Robbie Robinson can't wait for his first North Harbour-Auckland clash this afternoon, and feels it may be akin to the famed Southland-Otago rivalry he knows so well.

"It's been talked about a bit," said the 25-year-old fullback, one of North Harbour's new signings for this year.

"It's new to me, but if it's anything like Southland versus Otago, then it's always one of the best, biggest battles of the year."

Robinson has made the shift from Southland, where he made 61 appearances for the Stags, to North Harbour, partly because his partner is working in Auckland, but also to be closer to medical facilities at the Millennium Stadium for rehab on a hip injury that ruined his Super Rugby season with the Chiefs.

His North Harbour debut against his old union last month was his first game since last November when he toured North America with New Zealand Maori.

"It's nice to be back on the field after nine months off, but I'm finding my feet again," he said.

North Harbour have returned wing Tevita Li, No 6 Jordan Manihera and lock Mike Farmer to the starting line-up for today's clash at Eden Park, seeking their first victory over their Blues cousins since 2009.

Auckland coach Paul Feeney is predicting a tough encounter despite North Harbour's position at the foot of the championship table.

"They've improved as a side, and bring physicality in the forwards," he said.