KEY POINTS:
The battle each of the talented Pisi brothers, George and Tusi, has had in gaining regular Super 14 places has had a positive spin-off, at least for their North Harbour club side, Massey.
Because neither has been required for either the Blues or the Crusaders this weekend, the pair, and teenage brother Kenny, will be in the Massey side which opens the Harbour competition today at Helensville.
New Massey coach, former representative utility back Ian Calder, however, confesses to some mixed feelings despite receiving a major boost to his backline. "It's great for the club, but we also would love to see them getting more chances in the Super 14," he said.
With the Crusaders reinforced by All Black stars like Dan Carter, and the gifted Stephen Brett also available at first five-eighths, there must be scope for Massey to get more meaningful game time from Tusi. But Calder said he was still committed to Crusaders training in Christchurch and his time for Massey would be limited. Massey have lost hardened forwards hooker Roger Dustow (now with East Coast Bays) and locks Steve Jackson and Malua Tipi (retired). But Calder was upbeat about his side's prospects. Other clubs with Super 14 fringers have not had the same luck as Massey.
Northcote, with former All Black No 8 Ron Cribb helping Trevor Snookes as coach, used Nick Williams in their reserves in a pre-season game last weekend. But Blues duty is likely to keep him out of Northcote's match with Glenfield. Marist will be without All Black prop Tony Woodcock against East Coast Bays.
Other club matches are between North Shore and Mahurangi and Silverdale and Kumeu.
Kumeu could surprise this season, having gained a playing influx from Ponsonby.
Last year's champions, Takapuna, have a first-round bye and instead play a friendly against the Counties-Manukau 2006 titleholders, Patumahoe, a team coached by former Takapuna player Craig Carter.
Ponsonby open up with feeling of deja vu
Auckland's champion club Ponsonby open their 2007 campaign against Waitakere City at Western Springs today in a repeat of their 2005 Gallaher Shield final, in which the Ponies sneaked home 19-12.
Ponsonby successfully defended the Gallaher Shield last year against Waitemata, while Waitakere City didn't have the best of seasons, finishing fifth in the premier one second round championship.
City have had a solid preparation with most of their premier squad training since late last year. As well they have won all three pre-season games - against Manurewa, Massey and Otahuhu - and won a 10-a-side tournament on Waiheke Island.
Today, they will be without former All Black halfback Junior Tonuu, who has a slight hamstring injury, and two of their best players from last season, Auckland rep Joe Tekori and Kyle Nuualitia, are in Hong Kong for a 10-a-side tournament.
Only seven of last season's Gallaher Shield-winning team will be in Ponsonby's starting XV, and Waitakere City have only five from their final game last term.
Waitemata have the advantage of a home game today, against Otahuhu at Waitemata Park. Grammar Carlton meets newly promoted Papatoetoe at Cornwall Park, University hosts Marist at Colin Maiden Park and East Tamaki is at home to Pakuranga.
- Roy Williams
