Watch out for Northland Pivac warns

By WYNNE GRAY

If Auckland want to have a shot at the first division title, they must prove it tonight with a victory against their Northland neighbours, says coach Wayne Pivac.

Northland had shown against other championship contenders such as Canterbury and Wellington how resilient and demanding they could be.

"But it is a game we should win if we want to have a chance of making the playoffs and going for championship honours," Pivac said yesterday.

No notice should be taken of the sides' pre-season meeting in which Auckland came away with a decent victory. Northland had many players out that day, and were trying different combinations.

"We are busy trying to make the top four and see this as a match to win," Pivac said. "In the same way it will be tough, though, because Northland are wanting some points to stay away from any trouble at the bottom of the competition.

"Last year we were happy to beat them after an arm-wrestle. Northland are a side who, if you underestimate them, can be very difficult."

Some fascinating duels are in store in tonight's match at Eden Park.

In the lineout, the Taylors, Glenn and Brad, will be up against the Williams, Ali and Bryce, with the visiting Taylors a fraction taller than the unrelated new locks for Auckland.

Northland will use Vula Maimuri as blindside flanker again, a move which gives them even more lineout options and should give them more grunt in the scrum.

Tighthead prop Christian Califano has recovered from a knee problem and will need to be sharp to stabilise the Auckland pack against Northland's scrum, which is another of the visitors' weapons.

Gavin Williams comes in to second five-eighths to replace Tane Tui'pulotu, who has been troubled by a foot problem.

Northland have made two changes in their backline, bringing Sam Pinder in at halfback and Brad Miller at centre.

"The Auckland clash is always a big one and the boys are fired up for this," Pinder said as he prepared for his first start of the season. "Defence is a big thing for us. If they're not scoring tries then we might have the chance to get some ourselves."