Ponsonby up against it in opener

By GRAHAM REDDAWAY

Last season's champion side, Ponsonby, could feel the pinch when they face a strong Waitakere City line-up at Waitakere Stadium on the opening day of the Auckland senior club season today.

The blue and blacks have not been the greatest of starters and they could be vulnerable against a side who boast a brains trust of Filipo Saena, Va'aiga Tuigamala, Danny Kaleopa and Pati Maligi.

Waitemata could be in a similar position when they host Grammar Carlton, considering the loss of key forwards to the development side.

John Senio, the younger brother of former Auckland rep Kevin Senio, will guide the side from halfback in the absence of Craig McGrath.

Grammar Carlton coach Terry Reardon will line up a side with plenty of experience, especially in the tight forwards where locks Chad Slade and Patrick Finau will cause plenty of problems in the lineouts.

Suburbs and Marist are certain to have a good old set-to at Shadbolt Park. Suburbs have plenty of speed in the back four where fullback Sefulu Gaugau could play a key role with his incisive running into the backline.

The experienced Tom Curtis is back in action for Suburbs, but there are a number of players missing from last season's line-up, such as Boris Stankovich, Ronati Lemalu, Bryce Williams, Eroni Clarke, Mose Tuiali'i, Therii Rahui and Luke Fonoti-Gates.

Marist have an experienced tight five in Stan Wright, John Fonokalafi, Sione Sione, Hadley Tonga and Dominic Isoa, and they could trouble the westerners.

East Tamaki will have a tough baptism of fire when they play Otahuhu at Sturges Park. The newly promoted side will not find it easy against the experience of Sika Poching, Simon Lemalu, Donny Latu, Gareth Palamo and Luke Mealamu.

University coach Gary Braid is not going to let last season's disappointments get in the road when his side open their season against Pakuranga.

Braid is philosophical about the loss of key players to the Blues, such as his All Black son Daniel and class flanker Angus Macdonald.

His brilliant fullback Brent Ward is with the Hurricanes and Iliesa Tanivula remains with the Highlanders.

He also has to wait for the return of Jerome Kaino and John Afoa from the Blues Development side, but that will be a good deal sooner rather than later.

Pakuranga's new coach Brent Marshall has also cast last year's results aside. He is confident the side will be competitive in the top echelon.

In the premier two division, College Rifles and Eden tasted first division rugby last season and, with that experience behind them, their respective coaches, Spot Hay and Hona Huriwai, will aim for a mid-season promotion and a shot at the Gallaher Shield.

Rifles open their campaign against Te Papapa Onehunga, a side that Hay once played for in their halcyon days, and subsequently coached.

Eden, who host Tamaki at Gribblehirst Park, are without No 8 Brad Tauwhare and fullback, Karl McCartney. Neighbours Papatoetoe and Manukau will go hammer and tongs, as they always do. Papatoetoe have been impressive in pre-season matches and might have an edge.

Roskill Districts coach Nigel Krone will have his side tuned for their opening clash with Teachers Eastern.