Super 12 mates clash in battle of the bridge

By TERRY MADDAFORD

It's not quite State of Origin but today's battle of the bridge does pit mates against mates.

North Harbour captain Mark Robinson, who would like nothing more than to lead his team to their first victory over Auckland at North Harbour Stadium, admits the added bite of the annual battle brings out the best in both teams.

"Sure, every time you go head-to-head with players who at other times are your rivals for a Super 12 place, there has to be something extra," Robinson said.

"I'm sure every player will want to out-perform their opposite. That should be everyone's goal.

"I know that's how we go into the game. If we can do that, we know our efforts will be reflected on the scoreboard."

Robinson admits it is never easy playing against players who are good friends.

"It will be hard. It will be confrontational, but it is not going to fuel into a big rage.

"While we might be enemies on the field, there remains an unwritten rule that nothing done or said is personal.

"I always like to think that after the game we can still have a bit of a laugh and a beer.

"It was not always that way, but with both teams now in the same Super 12 franchise, it is starting to be like that."

Friendships and rivalry aside, there remains the important quest for NPC first division points.

"I guess we would like to be three-from-three," Robinson said. "But even so, we are not too badly off.

"Auckland, who have started with a perfect record, have made the most of their chances."

While acknowledging that Auckland first five-eighths Carlos Spencer is pivotal to their game, Robinson feels he and his team-mates have the firepower to nullify any threat the former All Black might present.

"I don't think we have one player we can point to in the same way. Rather, I prefer to think of North Harbour as a team."

In taking 14 of a possible 15 points from their first three games, Auckland deserve to go into today's match - with the unusual kick-off time of 5.30 pm - as favourites.

Like North Harbour, they will appreciate the superb underfoot conditions.

While ground conditions at New Plymouth (where Auckland beat Taranaki 37-16), and Pukekohe (where North Harbour sneaked home 15-14 over Counties Manukau) were, at best, heavy, North Harbour Stadium is in "great nick," Robinson says.

"I'm sure both teams will appreciate that. It will make for better rugby for sure."