Rugby: Auks face rip, hit and bust

By WYNNE GRAY

Like most division one sides, Northland have refined their play to suit rugby's new rules, but they still believe that the old "rip and bust" method is a valuable style.

A return to those tactics is likely for tonight's Whangarei meeting with Blues brother and defending NPC champions Auckland after the last two blotchy results.

"We have done a lot of work to make us more clinical," coach Bryce Woodward assessed, "but we have been missing out on the rip and bust area.

"You can criticise and analyse our patterns, but it suits our style. It may be our best way of playing."

After a narrow defeat at home against North Harbour, Northland disintegrated last week away to Otago. Since then, the inquisitions and the concerns have run deeper.

Northland received independent verbal canings from coach and captain and there was plenty more hard talk when the squad assembled this week to train for tonight's match.

"We had a values check to go through all our ideas, plans and what we stood for," Woodward said.

"We had to check on how we were set up and whether the 'die for the cause' attitude was still there.

"Auckland are going to be the most formidable opposition. We know we are going to be up against it, but it is also a matter of what is under the ribcage of our blokes."

Woodward's concerns received a positive feedback at the first practice, though the next run was not so good as word of suspensions to frontrowers Mike Storey and Joe Ross filtered through.

The emphasis has been on keeping possession and working through phases and defence. Woodward identified missed tackles as the major issue in the past two losses.

"If you look at our statistics sheet each week you can tell which games we win or lose. Missed tackles is the biggest statistic, which tells the story of the games we lose," he said.

While Northland mulled over their concerns, Auckland headed north with few worries. Only halfback Steve Devine was a doubtful starter. The regular rest were ready to make up for the pre-season stagger under lights in Whangarei.

Against Wellington, the defence was superb and the scrum more solid, while loose forwards Andrew Blowers, Xavier Rush and Dylan Mika had huge games.

Mika misses out tonight through Robin Brooke's return and Charles Riechelmann's switch to flanker, but the power of the bench may be a useful weapon.

Auckland coach Wayne Pivac noted that Northland have yet to play at night during this NPC, although they seem to play better under lights.

Woodward accepted that was a pattern from last season - and one he hoped could be reproduced tonight.

"The team feel like they don't notice any distractions in the dark," he said. " With the lights on, the field seems to be a bit smaller and closer. It can give off a feeling of intimidation."

If that returns the rip and bust of old, it will be an interesting night.