Falcon admitted to being "pretty excited" about his first starting XV appearance in the country's toughest inter-provincial competition.
"I feel most comfortable at first five-eighth because I've played that position since I was 8. But it's always important to be able to play a few positions," said Falcon, who saw 10 minutes at fullback against Wellington.
The third-generation Magpie agreed versatility could enhance his chances of selection in the New Zealand under-20 team next year but refused to look that far ahead.
"It's important I just focus on the Magpies season at this stage and I'm happy to have this opportunity. It's going to be good to feed off Ihaia [West] at first five and Jonah [Lowe] at centre because they have both been going really well."
The son of former Maori All Black and Hurricane Gordon Falcon and grandson of former Maori All Black Ray Falcon said he is expecting Auckland to bring a similar game to what Counties-Manukau used against the Magpies last week.
"They will rely a lot on their size and power as they have during the last couple of weeks.
However it's important we do our job ... make our tackles, get the simple catch-and-pass plays right and reduce our error rate. If we do that, it should be a good game."
Philpott said starting Falcon, who he described as "an exciting young player" will give the hosts another playmaker and kicking option.
He said his troops trained well on Saturday and again on Monday morning which was a strong physical session with an emphasis on defence.
Former Magpie Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald will start at fullback for Auckland.
Head coach Nick White said he and his team were wary of the winless Magpies.
"It's going to be a huge game for us. We've got to make sure we are patient, control the ball when we've got it; it's a good challenge."
While White will be missing the services of three All Black forwards, the visiting pack will still command respect.
Openside flanker Akira Ioane has been in hot form since returning from All Black Sevens duty at the Rio Olympics.
Blindside flanker Liaki Moli and No8 Joe Edwards have the ability to bust the tightest defensive systems and are always prominent when their team is on defence.
Ioane's brother and fellow Olympian Rieko Ioane will start at centre for Auckland and will again be eager to prove why he has been with the All Blacks' wider training group.
Just as the Ioane brothers will need to be marked closely, the Hickey brothers, halfback Jono and captain and first five-eighth Simon, can create havoc if their space isn't shut down early.
Hawke's Bay and Auckland met in the first NPC first division match at McLean Park 40 years ago. Auckland won 10-7.
Hawke's Bay Rugby Union commercial manager Jay Campbell is expecting a crowd of 5000 at McLean Park tonight.
Gates will open at 6pm and the first 500 youngsters through the gates will receive 2016 Magpies posters.
Pre-match entertainment will include Hawke's Bay band Suzy Blue and a rippa rugby match between Nelson Park and Elsthorpe Schools.
Campbell urged families going to the game to take advantage of the free face painting and kids-eat-free deals.
Both teams:
Hawke's Bay Magpies: Ryan Tongia, Robbie Fruean, Jonah Lowe, Tiaan Falcon, Mason Emerson, Ihaia West, Brad Weber, Fa'alemiga Selesele, Tony Lamborn, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Mark Abbott (vice-captain), Geoff Cridge, Ben May, Ash Dixon (captain), Ricky Riccitelli.
Substitutes, forwards, Jorian Tangaere, Jason Long, Tolu Fahamokioa, Ross Filipo, Ben Hamelink. Backs, Chris Eaton, Billy Ropiha, Matt Garland.
Auckland: Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald, Joeseva Ravouvou, Rieko Ioane, Vince Aso, Pryor Collier, Simon Hickey (captain), Jono Hickey, Joe Edwards, Akira Ioane, Liaki Moli, Michael Fatialofa, Scott Scrafton, Marcel Renata, Kurt Ekland, Tom McHugh.
Substitutes, forwards, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Isi Tu'ungafasi, James Lay, Ben Nee Nee, Taleni Seu. Backs, Leon Fukofuka, Latiume Fosita, Pasqualle Dunn.
