Auckland going for big margin

By JULIE ASH

Auckland flanker Justin Collins shudders when he thinks about the possible consequences should his side go down to Northland at Eden Park today.

After their 32-25 loss to Bay of Plenty last week, Collins said the Auckland team were "seriously reprimanded" when they turned up for training on Monday morning - something he never wants to go through again.

"We got in there and the coaching staff had a quick, angry chat with us and then sent us outside with the trainer Greg [Herb] Muller, who let loose on us.

"He is ex-Army and I tell you, I have never done so many Army drills in my life. The boys were hitting the ground up. That alone is a big incentive for the team going into the Northland game."

Auckland must beat winless Northland, and preferably pick up a bonus point, to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

Coach Wayne Pivac has rung the changes after last week's defeat.

Former league star Tasesa Lavea gets his first start at first-five.

Orene Ai'i is at fullback and Ben Atiga reverts to centre, leaving Tane Tuipulotu to start in his favoured position at second five-eighths.

Craig McGrath is at halfback, Collins moves from blindside flanker to openside, Angus MacDonald shifts from lock to blindside, and Bryce Williams comes in to lock.

Soane Tonga'uiha comes in as loosehead prop, teaming up with 24-year-old hooker Nathan Kemp.

Their combination with 19-year-old tighthead John Afoa comprises the youngest front-row combination in the first division and might also be one the biggest, with Afoa weighing in at 126kg, Kemp 103kg and Tonga'uiha 125kg.

The side is still without dynamic midfielder Sam Tuitupou, who is struggling with a shoulder injury.

"I know Northland always play with a lot of heart, especially when they are fronting up against their neighbours Auckland," Collins said.

"They are dangerous from open play and that is something we are really going to have to shut down.

"Their playmaker, James Arlidge, is someone we will have to look at, they get a lot of ball movement off him."

Auckland, who have three wins and four losses so far this season, face Canterbury at Jade Stadium in the final round next weekend, which also doubles as a Ranfurly Shield match.

"We were eyeing up the semifinals last week," Collins said.

"We never under-estimated Bay of Plenty, but we wanted to get four points out of each the Bay and Northland games, and then in the Ranfurly Shield challenge. But dropping the Bay game has put us in trouble a little bit.

"We are making far too many individual errors which are costing us. The other teams are turning our mistakes into points and that has really hurt us."

Auckland: Orene Ai'i, Iliesa Tanivula, Ben Atiga, Tane Tuipolutu, Brent Ward, Tasesa Lavea, Craig McGrath; Xavier Rush (capt), Justin Collins, Angus MacDonald, Brad Mika, Bryce Williams, John Afoa, Nathan Kemp, Soane Tonga'uiha. Res: Derren Witcombe, Scott Palmer, Sione Lauaki, Craig de Goldi; David Gibson, Benson Stanley, Tony Koonwaiyou.

Northland: Jared Going, Sam Davis, Matt Faleuka, Jason Shoemark, Norm Berryman, Josh Levi, James Arlidge, Sam Payne, Lee Jones, Luke Ottley, Mose Tuiali'i, Glenn Taylor (capt), Brad Taylor, Murray Bronson, Jason Hammond, Ted Carew. Res: Tim Dow, Tim Knight, Willie Brame, Tu Tamarua; Lee Peina, Josh Levi, Fero Lasagavibau.

Referee: Kevin Rowe (Canterbury).

Kickoff: 2.35pm.

TV: Live on Sky Sport 1.

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