Wayne's wonderful world

By DAVID LEGGAT

For someone on the cusp of guiding his team to an outstanding rugby achievement, Wayne Pivac seems particularly relaxed.

If Auckland beat Wellington in the NPC final at the Cake Tin tomorrow night, it will complete a significant trifecta of the Super 12 title - alright, that was the Blues, but to all intents Auckland - the Ranfurly Shield and the NPC title.

Elsewhere in SuperSport today, Lindsay Knight ponders the importance of a win for Auckland tomorrow night in terms of what it will mean for the balance of power in New Zealand rugby.

That's not Pivac's concern, but he knows he has an Auckland team who have hit peak form at just the right time.

Think back to the start of the NPC when Auckland made an awful start and were, in baseball parlance, 1-for-3 after four rounds.

Given the fact it was an even playing field - having more or less no World Cup All Blacks pulled Canterbury and Auckland back to the pack - all was not lost.

But Auckland have finished their campaign with a flourish. The backs have ensured they're rolling in points, they've scored more tries than any other team, the forwards are settled and looking good.

And far from hiding their ambition of a trifecta, Pivac made it clear how his team view tomorrow night when they will be defending the title won in Hamilton last year.

"It has been mentioned and the boys are aware of it. Let's be honest, they want to do it and why not?

"We set goals for ourselves like everyone else and it's been a catchcry during the week: we want to see Rushie (captain Xavier Rush) back on the podium holding another one up.

"We see it as one we don't want to let go, so the focus is definitely on winning the trophy and putting it back in the cabinet with the others."

Pivac has not been in charge of a losing team in an NPC final.

"I probably shouldn't say that and should touch some wood right now," he quipped, stretching a hand out for the seat in front.

Still it's an achievement of which to be proud.

It goes like this:

* Northland in 1997 won the NPC second division, crushing all in their path. In seven of the 11 games they ran up more than 60 points and thumped the Central Vikings - remember them? - 63-10 in the final.

* In 1999, his first year in charge of Auckland, they beat Wellington in the first division final 24-18.

* Last year it was 40-28 over Waikato in cowbell country, as Auckland clinched their 13th first division title.

There were semifinal losses to Wellington and Canterbury in 2000 and 2001, but now the signs are clear that Auckland could be on the point of establishing another formidable team for the long term.

That's for the future, however. Tomorrow night is a one-off occasion, and if it turns out anything like their round robin clash at Eden Park - 46-42 to the visitors, six tries apiece - the Cake Tin crowd will be in for a treat.

Pivac admitted his initial thinking was that night had been a oncer. Even in a season with robust scorelines, that was something else. On reflection - and having taken a look at both teams' scores in subsequent rounds - Pivac is more guarded.

"Look at the season in its entirety. We've got the most tries and Wellington are right in behind us (44 and 37 respectively).

"Both teams have continued on playing an open style of game, moving a lot of ball and both have backs who can punish teams who make mistakes."

Auckland plan to stick with what has worked for them, so don't tune in expecting a grind up the middle of the park.

And with entertainers who have a penetrative edge out the back like Orene Ai'i, Iliesa Tanivula, Brent Ward and Tasesa Lavea - who has made an impact as the calm head and organiser since coming in at first five-eighths - why would you change?

"We're certainly going out to play a similar style as we've played all season and I've no doubt Wellington will be attacking us in the same light."

If it's Eden Park revisited, strap in for a night on the rugby roller coaster.

Wayne Pivac

with Northland

1997: Winners second division, promoted to first division

1998: Finished bottom first division, not relegated

with Auckland

1999: Winners first division

2000: Lost semifinal to Wellington

2001: Lost semifinal to Canterbury

2002: Winners first division.

NPC points table