Auckland believe they have an edge over other teams vying for a spot in the HRV Cup finals.
The Aces need to win their remaining three games to have chance of sneaking into the top three ahead of either Northern Districts or Wellington.
Opener Lou Vincent says the business end of the competition can find teams out.
Vincent says perhaps those teams are starting to falter under the pressure, whereas they've been in this situation before.
Auckland has won the toss and will bat first against Central Districts at Pukekura Park.