NPC 2005 COMP!

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Although this comp is not up at TR or FR yet it won't be long....

With the fixation on expanded NPC 2006 & debate over salary caps this years comp is in danger of slipping under the radar screen!

I noticed that some squads have been announced already...

Auckland

Forwards: Chris Heard, Daniel Muller, Nick White, Saimone Taumoepeau, Semisi Telefoni, Lance Poching, Bryce Williams, Brad Mika, Kurtis Haiu, Angus MacDonald, Jerome Kaino, Justin Collins, Daniel Braid.

Backs: Steve Devine, Taniela Moa, Tasesa Lavea, Isaia Toe'ava, Sam Tuitupou, Ben Atiga, Gavin Williams, Jamie Helleur, James Somersett, Tony Koonwaiyou, Doug Howlett, Brent Ward, Isa Nacewa.

Collins is captain as Rush still  out!

Canterbury:

Jamie Nutbrown, Wyatt Crockett, Steven Yates, Peter Nixon, Ben Nowell, Kevin O'Neill, Maurice Tito, Scott Hamilton, Joel Iggo, George Naoupu, Reuben Thorne, Sam Broomhall, Ben Blair, Casey Laulala, Cameron McIntyre, Alfred Pelenise, Brett Mather, Isaac Ross, Sam Harding, Hayden Hopgood, Tone Kopelani, Andrew Ellis, Ti'i Paulo, Steven Brett.

C.King is on loan to Otago with J.Ryan also expected for early games but A.Oliver may miss some more.

 BOP.(thanks to REX)

Forwards: Aleki Lutui, John Pareanga, Simms Davison, Ben Castle, James Afoa, Taufa'ao Filise, Bernie Upton, Mark Sorenson, Paul Tupai, Dan Goodwin, Wayne Ormond, Colin Bourke, Solomon King, Nili Latu, Tanerau Latimer, Warren Smith.

Backs: Kevin Senio, Charles Hubbard, Murray Williams, Robert Moon, Grant McQuoid, Jeffrey Ierome, Allan Bunting, Filimone Bolavucu, David Johnston, Lance MacDonald, Brodie Henderson, Charles Baxter, Anthony Tahana, Adrian Cashmore, Apoua Stewart

Hayden Reid has signed for BOP too....  

 and of course S. Waldrom (season & could be career-ending!) and posibly N. Tialata will be missing early games for Wellington
                       
Please add more either here or in FR/TR thread as it comes to light!
                            Cheers,
                                Baz


   P.S. Apologies if you've already read this on other side but we need more detail eventually than other fans!  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Here also is the draw...
  l NPC 2005 DRAW
...from DJ @xtramsn rugby ......who may even fill in the scores for us!

          Cheers
              Baz         Thanks Teach (+1k)

[Teach]

Here also is the draw...

NPC 2005 DRAW

... just added the missing square bracket EW


edit:  oh... so did you  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Add NH.......from xtra.....

North Harbour team to play Northland: 15 Andrew Whiteman, 14 Luke Doddrell, 13 Anthony Tuitavake, 12 Rua Tipoki, 11 Zar Lawrence, 10 Jon Elrick, 9 Craig McGrath, 8 Nick Williams, 7 Regan Tamihere, 6 Anthony Boric, 5 Doug Fletcher, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 Mike Noble, 2 Joe Ward, 1 Tony Coughlan. Reserves: Roger Dustow, Adrian Donald, Marty Veale, Tom Harding, Rodney Voullaire, Ben Mayer, Tusi Pisi, Andrew Mailei, George Pisi.
   
                    Cheers,
                       Baz  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Updates--- WAIKATO----BOP---OTAGO

 Waikato coach Warren Gatland has taken 31 players, including injured skipper Jono Gibbes, to the Gold Coast for the team's unofficial NPC training camp.

It is the fourth straight year that Waikato has travelled to the Gold Coast for the camp where they are hosted by Japanese organisation World Corp.

They will return on Friday and play their last pre-season trial match against North Harbour at Waikato Stadium at 2.30pm on Saturday.

The training squad includes injured players Gibbes (foot) and Isaac Boss (knee). Gatland will name his Air New Zealand NPC squad next Tuesday.

Waikato training squad: Soene Anesi, Steven Bates, Sam Biddles, Isaac Boss, Mark Burman, Aled de Malmanche, Stephen Donald, David Faville, Jono Gibbes, David Hill, Sean Hohneck, Richard Kahui, Solo Korovata, Brendon Leonard, Scott Linklater, Keith Lowen, Toby Lynn, Derek Maisey, Deacon Manu, Joel McKenty, Liam Messam, Marc Morunga, Ben Paurini, Jared Payne, Mark Ranby, William Ripia, Steven Setephano, Dwayne Sweeney, Philemon Toleafoa, Ted Tauroa, Nathan White.


PARKINSON IN STEAMERS SQUAD

Bay of Plenty Steamers coach Vern Cotter has included former North Harbour flanker and New Zealand sevens star Matua Parkinson in his NPC squad for the 2005 season.

Parkinson has been named in a 27-strong squad for the upcoming campaign as he launches his NPC comeback in the Bay. The Steamers will spend this week in camp in Whakatane and will have their final pre-season hitout against Toyota (Japan) on Saturday.

Bay Steamers NPC squad:

Forwards: Aleki Lutui (Whakarewarewa), John Pareanga (Mount Maunganui), Simms Davison (Te Puke Sports), Ben Castle (Te Puke Sports), James Afoa (Mt Maunganui), Taufa'ao Filise (Whakarewarewa), Bernie Upton (Mt Maunganui), Mark Sorenson (Te Puke Sports), Paul Tupai (Rangiuru), Warren Smith (Mt Maunganui), Wayne Ormond (Rotoiti), Colin Bourke (Mt Maunganui), Nili Latu (Whakarewarewa), Matua Parkinson (Rangataua), Tanerau Latimer (Rangiuru).

Backs: Kevin Senio (Mt Maunganui), Charles Hubbard (Kahukura), Murray Williams (Te Puke Sports), Mike Delany (Mt Maunganui), Grant McQuoid (Mt Maunganui), Jeffrey Ierome (Whakarewarewa), Allan Bunting (Mt Maunganui), Hayden Reid (Eastern Districts), Anthony Tahana (Waikite), David Johnston (Tauranga Sports), Filimone Bolavucu (Te Puke Sports), Adrian Cashmore (Tauranga Sports).


NEWBY TO LEAD OTAGO

Craig Newby will captain Otago's 2005 NPC side with utility back Neil Brew as his deputy after coach Wayne Graham today announced his 26-man squad for the upcoming campaign.

Injured All Black Anton Oliver has not been named initially in Graham's squad, though former Canterbury prop Chris King is included.

Otago NPC squad:

Forwards: Jeremy Aldworth, Josh Blackie, Tom Donnelly, Carl Hoeft, Chris King, Filipo Levi, Andrew McClintock, Jason Macdonald, Peter Mirrielees, Craig Newby (c), Grant Polson, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Grant Webb.

Backs: Ryan Bambry, Neil Brew (v-c), Nick Evans, Glen Horton, Danny Lee, Mike Maguire, Seilala Mapusua, Hayden Pedersen, Nick Reily, Matt Saunders, Jason Shoemark, Chris Smylie.

     Add to these guys....

        Cheers,
            Baz  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Add Wellinton today....

Wellington names 2005 NPC squad
03/08/2005
allblacks.com

Wellington coach John Plumtree today announced a squad of 26 players to contest the 2005 Air New Zealand NPC. The squad will be bolstered by the return of five players currently on All Blacks duty later in the competition.

The most significant change from the 2004 squad is the addition of Hosea Gear in place of Sireli Bobo. Joe McDonnell takes the captaincy of the side as he did when Wellington took on the British & Irish Lions in June.

“We pretty much have the squad we had last year which should benefit us, because we already have a foundation to build from,” Plumtree said.

“We also have a lot of talent coming through to keep our established guys honest.”

Players in the squad who are yet to receive a cap for Lions include Nigel Hunt, Jeremy Thrush, Serge Lilo and Justin Wilson who has battled injury in recent seasons. In addition to the 26-man squad, three apprentice players have been named to train with the team.

Wellington begins the NPC with an away match against Northland on Saturday, August 13 at 4.00pm. The team’s first home game is against North Harbour at Westpac Stadium on Friday, August 19. Tickets can be purchased through Red Tickets by phoning 0800 000 575.

The 2005 Wellington Lions squad is:

Forwards: Joe McDonnell (C), Ben Herring, Tim Fairbrother, Neemia Tialata, Luke Mahoney, Kristian Ormsby, Ross Kennedy, Ross Filipo, Thomas Waldrom, John Schwalger, Mahonri Schwalger, Luke Andrews, Serge Lilo, Jeremy Thrush.

Backs:Ma’a Nonu (VC), Riki Flutey, Hosea Gear, Lome Fa’atau, Jimmy Gopperth, Roy Kinikinilau, Justin Wilson, Nigel Hunt, Shannon Paku, Tamati Ellison, Tane Tu’ipulotu, Cory Jane.

On All Blacks Duty – Rodney So’oialo, Jerry Collins
Apprentices – Faifili Levave, Ged Robinson

                 Cheers,
                    Baz  

[Kobe]

Whens the Whanganui squad up Baz?  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Whens the Whanganui squad up Baz?  

Might not have one soon as all the young ones are looking for 2006 Manawatu contracts!
   Good to c u back, Kobe.....Ponsonby Rulz OK!

                Cheers,
                   Baz  

P.S. Where will you fit Mils in the Chiefs line up ? ....especially if Loki is back! What a potent backline that'll be! Kelleher Donald Hill Muliaina Sivivatu Anesi & Crichton with Tau'uso  Lowen  Ranby & McQuoid riding the pine!

[Kobe]

Thats the problem Baz, I have already started to dream.

Bit upset at the moment though. Bloody TR have listed that good keen Waikato man Sione Lauaki on the Auckland list. I suppose thats one way of dreaming he is still there.

Ready for the NPC? I am, ready to roll, I couldn't of cared to much for TR/FR over the last six months, but am motivated to perform this NPC.
EW, TRA, Messy, etc lets go for it and spread the gossip of who is hot or not.

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

    TEST RUGBY NPC 2005

 I can understand the excitement Kobe! I'm tingling with trepidation at a new 12 man comp again ....really tests the ability doesn't it!  

          Let's kill these ex-Extra Boys !

              Cheers,
                 Baz  

[Kobe]

Aaron and Lance now live in Aussie, so that is to our advantage in the NPC, looks like Kurtster could be holding the Xtra flag.

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Let's hope you're right, Kobe!

Haven't spent much time this week though!

Here's what I've found....

Week 1            
Fri 12 Aug Waikato v Taranaki, Hamilton 7.35pm  

Two NPC Debutants For Waikato


09/08/2005                                 Marc Hinton

Waikato coach Warren Gatland has named two NPC debutants in his starting XV to face Taranaki in the season opener in Hamilton on Friday night.

Loosehead prop Sam Biddles, a 23-year-old 1.84m, 111kg prospect, and openside flanker Dave Faville, a former King Country captain, are the two who will make their first Air New Zealand NPC appearances for the Mooloo men.

As well Gatland has included two others who have made justa solitary NPC performance for the province in his starting XV to face the experienced boys from the Naki.

New Zealand Colts Toby Lynn, a 1.96m lock and top rower, and winger Dwayne Sweeney will log just their second NPC appearances for the Mooloo men in the match.

Biddles gets the nod because of a knee injury to new addition Philemon Toleafoa, who at 140kg will bring some real presence to the Waikato front row when he is available.

Also not considered because of injury were former skipper Jono Gibbes (foot), Solo Korovata (hamstring) and Keith Lowen (back).

Still, Gatland puts out an accomplished team for his own first NPC match, with the backline, in particular, looking promising.

Isaac Boss has got over his injury problems to assume the halfback's job, while David Hill and Mark Ranby form a well-tested midfield. Junior All Black Sosene Anesi is named at fullback, with the promising Richard Kahui on the right wing.

No 8 Steven Bates has been named captain for the season and he will take on a lot of responsibility in a pack that will need leading.

The Friday night match will also have the Ryan Wheeler Memorial Trophy on the line, as well as the valuable competition points.

WAIKATO: 1 Sam Biddles, 2 Scott Linklater, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Toby Lynn, 5 Sean Hohneck, 6 Liam Messam, 7 Dave Faville, 8 Steven Bates (c); 9 Isaac Boss, 10 Stephen Donald, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 12 David Hill, 13 Mark Ranby, 14 Richard Kahui, 15 Sosene Anesi. Reserves: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 Nathan White, 18 Mark Burman, 19 Steven Setephano, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Derek Maisey, 22 Willy Ripia.

09/08/2005                                 Marc Hinton

Fijian international Sisa Koyamaibole rumbles straight into Taranaki's starting XV for Friday night's Air New Zealand NPC opener against Waikato in Hamilton.

Koyamaibole's arrival in New Plymouth is timely, with Taranaki coach Kieran Crowley without loose forwards Chris Masoe and Tomasi Soqeta for the competition kickoff.

The big No 8 who played for the Pacific Islanders last year was named to start against the Mooloo men after Soqeta injured his shoulder in the final pre-season hitout against Canterbury and was ruled out of contention.

Koyamaibole, who played for Counties Manukau last season, has had a half game for Taranaki B after arriving late because of commitments for Fiji in the World Cup qualifying series.

Masoe injured an eye socket against Canterbury and has already been ruled out for the first two rounds.

"Chris is definitely out of the Waikato match and he will probably miss the Northland game as well," Crowley told Taranaki's Daily News.

Crowley hopes Soqeta will be available for the second-round clash against Northland.

Joe Lawn takes Masoe's spot at No 7 for the Waikato match, while Canes prop Tony Penn also makes a well-timed return after missing the pre-season campaign with a calf injury. The Naki pack has an experienced look, anchored by veteran tighthead prop Gordon Slater and skipper Paul Tito.

Todd Feather lands the contentious No 10 job, nudging out Sam Young in a close call. Chiefs flyer Sailosi Tagicakibau is still not right yet after his leg injury, leaving Scott Ireland to keep the right wing spot.


TARANAKI: 15 James Hilgendorf, 14 Scott Ireland, 13 Mark Stewart, 12 Lifeimi Mafi, 11 Orisi Belau, 10 Todd Feather, 9 Craig Fevre; 8 Sisa Koyamaibole, 7 Joe Lawn, 6 John Willis, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Paul Tito (c), 3 Gordon Slater, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Penn. Reserves: 16 Laurence Corlett, 17 Hamish Mitchell,18 Brendon McGlashan, 19 Scott Breman, 20 Andrew Suniula, 21 Brendon Watt, 22 James King.

 
   
Sat 13 Aug Southland v Canterbury Ingill 2.00pm

YOUNGSTERS EARN STAGS START

New Southland rugby coaches Simon Culhane and David Henderson have not been afraid to pitch their two young recruits into the deep end, rewarding age-grade stars Tim Boyes and Kane Thompson with a start in Saturday's clash against Canterbury.

Flanker Boyes and lock Thompson, both highly rated in the New Zealand age group system, are new additions to the Southland setup this year and have been rewarded with a run-on role against the defending champions in Invercargill.

Culhane and Henderson have a number of new faces in their squad this year, though the maroons, as ever, will be anchored by some familiar ones in the form of prop Clarke Dermody, No 8 Paul Miller and halfback Jimmy Cowan.

The new coaching pair look to have named a solid pack that will take the Cantabs on up front, though just how quickly this new-look backline is able to knot together will be vital.

Mana Harrison and Bryan Milne are bracketed on the right wing, with Harrison needing to prove his fitness to earn the game day start.

SOUTHLAND: 15 James Wilson, 14 Mana Harrison/ Bryan Milne, 13 Ben Smith, 12 Ryan Smith, 11 Watisoni Lotawa, 10 Matt Petre, 9 Jimmy Cowan; 8 Paul Miller, 7 Tim Boyes, 6 Daniel Quate, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Hoani Macdonald, 3 Jayden Murch, 2 David Hall, 1 Clarke Dermody (c). Reserves: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Craig Dunlea, 18 Rees Logan, 19 Hua Tamariki, 20 Adam Clarke, 21 Jamie Whelan/ Pale Tuilagi, 22 Faolua Muliaina/ Milne.

Crockett To Make NPC Debut For Champs

 Rookie loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett is part of a trio of untested young talent named in Aussie McLean's Canterbury side to open its Air New Zealand NPC campaign against Southland in Invercargill on Saturday afternoon.

The 22-year-old prop with the useful dimensions (he is 1.93m and 112kg) will make his first NPC appearance for the Cantabs after playing twice in the buildup campaign.

Also in the "new" brigade for the defending champions are NZ Colts lock George Naoupu, who will make just his seventh appearance in the red and black jersey, and 23-year-old second five Joel Iggo who partners Casey Laulala in midfield.

McLean has named a starting XV otherwise studded with experience and ability. Crockett lines up alongside All Blacks Corey Flynn and Campbell Johnstone in the front row, while there is no place for the soon-to-depart Sam Broomhall in a strong loose trio led by Reuben Thorne.

Jamie Nutbrown and Cameron Mcintyre will launch the new era in Canterbury inside back play, while Ben Blair, Scott Hamilton and Caleb Ralph line up in a well-tested red and black back three.

CANTERBURY: 15 Ben Blair, 14 Scott Hamilton, 13 Casey Laulala, 11 Joel Iggo, 11 Caleb Ralph, 10 Cameron McIntyre, 9 Jamie Nutbrown; 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Johnny Leo'o, 6 Reuben Thorne (c), 5 Kevin O'Neill, 4 George Naoupu, 3 Campbell Johnstone, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: 16 Tone Kopelani, 17 Maurice Tito, 18 Hayden Hopgood, 19 Sam Broomhall, 20 Andrew Ellis, 21 Steven Brett, 22 Steven Yates.

     
                         More shortly,

                           Cheers,

                               Baz  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

more...

Sat Northland v Wellington Whangarei, 4.00pm

1. Stan Wright
2. Tim Dow
3. Simon Lemalu
4. Isoa Domolailai
5. Brad Taylor
6. Jake Paringatai
7. Allen Tubbs
8. Brad Christensen
9. John Senio
10. David Holwell
11. Aaron Baigent
12. Quin Butler
13. Manu Burkhardt-Macrae
14. Mike Rowe
15. Matt Faleuka
16. Bronson Murray
17. Gary Whippy
18. Kira (Buster) Tahere
19. Mesake Davu
20. Corey Tamou
21. Jared Going
22. Ron Fanu’atanu / Isoa Neivua
 

 

NORTHLAND POSTS 50 POINTS AND BOOSTS CONFIDENCE... 9 aUGUST 2005

 

Bruce Hodder might be holding the step ladder to help the Northland rugby team clamber out of a very deep hole after allHe has now been in charge of a Northland rugby team that has won two games
On the trot, scoring a hatful of tries in the process, providing some hope
that the side might actually arrive at the start line of the Air New      
Zealand NPC this week with some confidence.    

                           
Northland came back from a 20-point deficit in the first 15 minutes to    
beat second division Counties-Manukau 54-25 in their final pre-season      
match played at the ITM Stadium in Whangarei on Saturday.                  
While it was a far from polished performance, the result has injected some enthusiasm into the squad, given the fans something tangible to cling to and set the scene for the championship opener against Wellington in five days time.                                                                
 

But punch-drunk fans will be wary of the impending championship, despite watching their team post a half century on Saturday and rattle up more than 100 points in three pre- season engagements.                                                        
 

New skipper David Holwell is taking a modest approach, as is Hodder.    
The step up from second division pre-season opposition to a clash against  Wellington, last year's beaten finalists, is a sobering prospect indeed.  Holwell noted his team could not afford to hand teams the early initiative as they had done in all three pre-season fixtures, but shouldered some of  the blame himself saying he had missed some vital touchfinders.  `We came back to earth pretty quickly at the start (against Counties-Manukau) and had to get real after thinking how good we were after one win against Waikato,'' Holwell said.                            
`It was good character to come back and be only six points down at        
halftime, but we let ourselves down at vital times with ball skills and    
one-on-one tackles and our defence got a bit confused sometimes, especially  when I missed touch,'' he said.                                            
`Maybe that is something to work on, the kick chase, or maybe I need to find touch for a start. ``We'll take confidence at the end of the day. It  
is always good to get the win, but the next game is a totally different    
story.''                                                                  
 

The final pieces to Hodder's selection jigsaw have yet to fall into place  
though as he has yet to make his decisions on two players at prop and  
halfback. It may even transpire that Hodder names 29 players in his final Northland squad today, including an imported halfback on loan from elsewhere as back- up to Manu Samoa international John Senio.                                
 

Only the Northland and Southland provinces have yet to formally announce their NPC squads, both camps left waiting on rival unions to ratify loan agreements and release players. But after Saturday's performance the Northland team will, as anticipated,   be stacked with players chosen from the Northland club scene. Gary Whippy seems set to get a chance at prop, Allen Tubbs keeps edging back towards his best at flanker, Quin Butler is something of a revelation at second five- eighths, Bronson Murray is getting more consistent at prop, Isoa Domolailai will form a potent lineout combination at lock with Brad Taylor and, for the first time on Saturday, Mike Rowe offered a glimpse of his express pace on the wing.                                                  
 

Add David Holwell's accuracy in the No.10 jersey, both goal kicking and    
tactically speaking, and all the ingredients are there to underscore the  
growing self belief in the squad. But as a platform to launch into the championship, Saturday's game was also laced with some very familiar problems, especially in the early exchanges when Counties Manukau leapt out to a 20-0 lead with two long range penalty goals and two
tries in a 10 minute burst.                                                
 

Crucial tackles were missed, half chances created then blown with miscued passes and several set plays disintergrating into a mish-mash of confused players who subsequently turned over possession.                          
 

But when the Northland side found their rhythm it all looked so promising,
Tim Dow opening the account with a step and burst of pace. Five pointers followed from Manu Burkhardt-Macrae, Jake Paringatai, Simon Lemalu, Brad Christenson, Mesake Davu, Allen Tubbs and finally Isoa Neivua.                                      
 

The flow of points to Northland was only interrupted by a try to          
replacement winger Mark Lawson for Counties. Otherwise the game was a demonstration of the gap between first and second division.

 

Article written by Tim Eves, Northern Advocate

HUNT STEPS INTO WEEPU'S BOOTS

Young halfback Nigel Hunt gets the chance to prove he is a worthy stand-in for new All Black Piri Weepu when he lines out in the No 9 jersey in Wellington's NPC season-opener against Northland in Whangarei on Saturday.

Hunt is the only player short on NPC experience in a powerful lineup named by coach John Plumtree for the 4pm clash in the north.

There is no place in the starting lineup for Canes lock Ross Kennedy, such is the strength of the Wellington squad. Likewise on the wing where the promising Hosea Gear must make do with a bench role behind Lome Fa'atau and Roy Kinikinilau.

Unwanted All Black Ma'a Nonu forms a strong midfield with Tane Tuipulotu while Thomas Waldrom and Kristian Ormsby slot into the loose trio in the absence of the All Blacks.

WELLINGTON: 1 Joe McDonnell (c), 2 Luke Mahoney, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 4
Ross Filipo, 5 Luke Andrews, 6 Kristian Ormsby, 7 Ben Herring, 8 Thomas Waldrom; 9 Nigel Hunt, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 11 Lome Fa'atau, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 13 Ma'a Nonu, 14 Roy Kinikinilau, 15 Shannon Paku. Reserves: 16 Mahonri Schwalger, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Ross Kennedy, 19 Serge Lilo, 20 Riki Flutey, 21 Tamati Ellison, 22 Hosea Gear.

 and still more soon...

            Cheers,
                   Baz  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

.....and more...

Sat North Harbour v Auckland Albany 6.00pm  

 
11/08/2005                         Marc Hinton


 North Harbour coach Allan Pollock has named an inexperienced backline, anchored very much by skipper Rua Tipoki and Anthony Tuitavake in midfield, for Saturday's Battle of the Bridge clash against Auckland.

"This is a game about pride. It's like playing your brother, younger or older, no one wants to lose," said Pollock.

Nevertheless he will be doing well to cajole a strong performance out of a side featuring a number of newcomers to this level, particularly in the backline.

His pack does have a more seasoned look about it and in the likes of No 8 Nick Williams, lock Greg Rawlinson and hooker Joe Ward he has the sort of tough customers capable of taking the game to the Aucklanders.

"We've achieved everything that we set out to do in our pre-season and now it is time as a team and as individuals to deliver," added Pollock.

The game kicks off on Saturday at 6.05pm at North Harbour Stadium.

NORTH HARBOUR: 15 Andrew Whiteman, 14 George Pisi, 13 Anthony Tuitavake, 12 Rua Tipoki (c), 11 Zar Lawrence, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Junior Poluleuligaga; 8 Nick Williams, 7 Tom Harding, 6 Brent Wilson, 5 Greg Rawlinson, 4 Marty Veale, 3 Mike Noble, 2 Joe Ward, 1 Tony Coughlan. Reserves: 16 Roger Dustow, 17 Adrian Donald, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Rodney Voullaire, 20 Craig McGrath, 21 Jon Elrick, 22 Alex Florian.
 
KAINO BENCHED FOR BRIDGE BATTLE

As expected there is no place for last year's All Black tourist Jerome Kaino in Pat Lam's Auckland starting XV to take on North Harbour in Saturday night's Battle of the Bridge clash in Albany.

Lam has rather committed himself to a course of action that sees Kaino limited to a bench role this season with his naming of veteran loose forward Justin Collins as his skipper. Collins joins openside Daniel Braid and new No 8 Angus Macdonald in the roving trio for the Air NZ NPC opener at North Harbour Stadium (6.05pm kickoff).

Lam has named a powerful lineup to face the old enemy across the bridge, with All Black reject Doug Howlett taking his place on the right wing in a backline with plenty of promise about it.

Young speedster Tony Koonwaiyou gets the nod on the left wing, with Lam springing a surprise by moving utility Isa Nacewa into the midfield where he will play inside Ben Atiga. Nacewa has appeared previously as fullback or on the wing for the Auks.

Up front John Fonokalafi gets the nod at hooker ahead of Semisi Telefoni with the former's lineout yips against the Lions possibly counting against him. Rookie lock Kurtis Haiu also nudges out Bryce Williams as Brad Mika's partner in the second row.

Auckland will be heavily favoured to begin their campaign with a win against a new-look Harbour side.

AUCKLAND: 15 Brent Ward, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Ben Atiga, 12 Isa Nacewa, 11 Tony Koonwaiyou, 10 Tasesa Lavea, 9 Steve Devine; 8 Angus Macdonald, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Justin Collins (c), 5 Kurtis Haiu, 4 Brad Mika, 3 Nick White, 2 John Fonokalafi, 1 Saimone Taumoepeau. Reserves: 16 Semisi Telefoni, 17 Daniel Muller, 18 Bryce Williams,
19 Jerome Kaino, 20 Taniela Moa, 21 Isaia Toeava, 22 Jamie Helleur.

   
Sun 14 Aug Otago v Bay of Plenty Dunedin 2.35pm


LIFE OF REILLY IN THE SOUTH

Australian fullback Nick Reilly will make his NPC debut in Otago's Sunday NPC opener against Bay of Plenty at Carisbrook.

Reily, who is attempting to play his way into a Super 14 contract for next year, has impressed during his limited time in the south and gets the nod to complete a dynamic back three alongside Hayden Pedersen and Matt Saunders.

Coach Wayne Graham has named close to his best possible lineup, though there is no place for the injured Glen Horton and first-choice halfback Danny Lee is handed a bench role behind the fully-fit Chris Smylie.

Craig Newby will captain the team from the blindside flank where he will look to inspire a far better performance than the blue and golds offered last year when they were soundly thrashed bv the Steamers in Mount Maunganui.

OTAGO: 15 Nick Reily, 14 Hayden Pedersen, 13 Neil Brew (v-c), 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Matt Saunders, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Chris Smylie; 8 Grant Webb, 7 Josh Blackie, 6 Craig Newby (c), 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Filipo Levi, 3 Chris King, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Carl Hoeft. Reserves: 16 Peter Mirrielees, 17 Jeremy Aldworth, 18 Adam Thomson, 19 Alando Soakai, 20 Danny Lee, 21 Ryan Bambry, 22 Jason Shoemark.


FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR BAY

Bay of Plenty coach Vern Cotter will send out a powerful lineup to launch their NPC campaign against Otago in Dunedin on Sunday.

Last year's surprise semifinalists have all hands on deck with the exception of their All Black callup Kevin Senio and look to have a lineup well capable of securing a rare victory in Dunedin.

Veteran openside Matua Parkinson gets the nod ahead of the well-performed Nili Latu to start the match in an imposing loose trio led by skipper Wayne Ormond and also featuring Highlanders draftee Colin Bourke.

Cotter has selected a strong pack, with an excellent tight five capable of taking the game to their hosts at the set pieces. Charles Hubbard gets his chance at halfback with Senio away while Murray Williams sets out to show Glen Jackson wasn't the loss in the pivot many supposed.

Fijian flyer Filimone Bolavucu is handed a bench role for the Sunday 2.35pm clash, with Cotter going for Apoua Stewart and Anthony Tahana as his starting wingers. Former Otago player Hayden Reid moves into the centre position for this match.

BAY OF PLENTY: 15 Adrian Cashmore, 14 Apoua Stewart, 13 Hayden Reid, 12 Grant McQuoid, 11 Anthony Tahana, 10 Murray Williams, 9 Charles Hubbard; 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Matua Parkinson, 6 Wayne Ormond (c ), 5 Bernie Upton, 4 Mark Sorenson, 3 Ben Castle, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Simms Davison. Reserves: 16 John Pareanga, 17 James Afoa, 18 Warren Smith, 19 Nili Liatu, 20 Garrick Cowley, 21 Rueben Parkinson, 22 Filimone Bolavucu.

     Sorry it's in three pieces but I was refused in ONE!


Good Luck for ROUND ONE Rugbyheads!
                 Cheers,
                  Baz  

[Kobe]

The big thing for Auckland is Isa Nacewa plaing at 12, the centres are his preferred positions. And that is where he plays for Grammer Carlton. And when I saw him play club rugby there last year he was awesome in that position. I could never understand why they kept him on the wing all the time.

Kurtis Haiu is another player who could make a name for himself. You wont miss him, he has a huge mop on his head.