Counties v Auckland
Pukekohe, 5.30 tonight
For the past six weeks, Auckland's assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge has been assessing the talents of teenage five-eighths Gareth Anscombe.
Strawbridge has worked the teenager through the side's patterns and introduced him to the pulse of the ITM Cup from the bench.
Tonight, though, Anscombe will start in the No 10 jersey against Counties Manukau, a decision made by Strawbridge without any influence from the five-eighths' father and team coach, Mark Anscombe.
"There's no issue for me at all with this," Strawbridge said.
"Gareth is a young man who has a good skillset, is confident and the only unknown is how he copes.
"These things are always a little bit of a gamble but I think this is the sort of game which will suit him."
Strawbridge pointed out the other teenage five-eighths being used round the country, such as Lima Sopoaga from Wellington and Beauden Barrett from Taranaki.
Auckland had also used teenager Charles Piutau on the wing and Liaki Moli at lock in this campaign.
It showed the changing shape of New Zealand rugby, something which would be reinforced next year when the ITM Cup started a fortnight after the end of Super Rugby.
The change in five-eighths was anticipated after some of the modest backline thrust and rhythm from Auckland in their draw against Hawkes Bay.
Both teams tonight know that defeat will probably remove them from the final-four playoffs and could eliminate them from qualifying in the top seven.
"This is a game which will also go a long way towards some players' ambitions to be in the Super Rugby competition next year," said Counties coach Milton Haig.
A Pukekohe goalpost saved Counties from defeat last round against Harbour and they were determined to add to that good fortune.
"We've had the faith and the belief but you also have to have some luck," said Haig.
"Auckland will be a strong side, especially with Jerome Kaino and Joe Rokocoko back, but we are at home and that must be worth something."
The emphasis from Auckland will be about protecting possession and taking the edge from Counties by forcing them to defend for long sequences.
"And when they have the ball we have to get up in their faces," said Anscombe.
"They are a different team when Tana [Umaga] plays for them so we have to be on the money."
All Black needs have removed prop John Afoa from the match to practise his lineout throwing for Auckland B in Mt Maunganui.
However, the front row remains strong while captain and openside flanker Daniel Braid will get the chance to show how effective he could be for the All Blacks alongside test loosie Kaino.
It is behind the pack where Auckland will wonder.
They have promoted halfback Brenton Helleur to work with Anscombe and deliver better control.
Auckland will seek that emphasis first through their pack then their pacy outside backs while Counties will feel that some off-the-cuff footy might spook their visitors.
COUNTIES v AUCKLAND
Counties
Milton Haig
T. Nanai Williams
Ahsee Tuala
Siale Piutau
Tana Umaga
David Raikuna
Dean Cummins
Samisoni Fisilau
Viliami Fihaki
Mark Selwyn
R. Raaymakers
J. Chipman (c)
Taiasina Tuifua
Jono Owen
Grant Henson
Simon Lemalu
Reserves: Ilaisa Maasi, Graham Dewes, Sikeli Nabou, Pepa Kolomatangi, August Pulu, Rey Lee-Lo, Seremaia Tagicakibau.
AUCKLAND
Mark Anscombe
Chay Raui
Dave Thomas
Winston Stanley
Benson Stanley
Joe Rokocoko
Gareth Anscombe
Brenton Helleur
Peter Saili
Daniel Braid
Jerome Kaino
A. van der Heijden
Kurtis Haiu
Charlie Faumuina
Ash Dixon
Tom McCartney
Reserves: Tevita Mailau, Angus Ta'avao, Liaki Moli, Sean Polwart, Toby Morland, Matt Berquist, Isaia Toeava.
