Auckland has plenty to prove

The impertinence of the Bay of Plenty stabs like a sharp knife in the psyche of Pat Lam's Auckland squad. And it is the hurt of losing the Ranfurly Shield last year that will drive Auckland in the pursuit of revenge today.

A lot of big reputations took a battering last year when the Bay came to Eden Park in the first round and helped themselves to their hosts' prized possession.

For Auckland wing Tony Koonwaiyou, today will be about more than revenge. He hopes to leave Tauranga not only with a win but with recognition. The 22-year-old has starred for national age-grade sides and had two seasons with the Crusaders. Getting a game for Auckland, though, hasnt been easy. He's managed 11 in two-and-a-bit seasons, highlighting how tough it is when Joe Rokocoko, Doug Howlett and Isa Nacewa are your rivals.

"We were not very happy," said Koonwaiyou of last season's loss to the Bay, "and the guys are looking for revenge. We are not going down there to be friends with them. We are going to show them what we've got. We want to show our families and friends that we are back on top. Everyone was gutted by our performance against the Bay last year.

"The players are hungrier and more excited than last year. We had a great pre-season and that brought us together as a band of brothers. We got a bit of a talking too after the Southland game but Pat [Lam] was very calm like always and that helps us stay calm.

"On a personal level this is a huge season for me and I want to play as hard as I can. My heart is always with Auckland. It would be awesome to stay here but I need to be looking at a place where I can get more game time. I am leaving that all to my agent and just concentrating on the NPC."

Koonwaiyou needs to put another marker down, with Doug Howlett likely to be encouraged to make a swift return to NPC. Both Angus MacDonald and Daniel Braid also know they are playing in berths where there is serious competition. Jerome Kaino starts on the bench today having been with the All Blacks all week. Lam says that next week, with Kaino, MacDonald, Braid and skipper Justin Collins competing for three back-row positions, he is going to have to make a tough call.

The cold hard facts: Auckland, as they showed last week against Southland, remain a treacherous side for punters. Last weekend was probably a wobble and they should shade a close contest today. The Bay will be gutsy but probably don't have quite enough quality to get the right result.

Key match-up: Brad Mika vs Bernie Upton. These two uncompromising beasts will get on with their business with minimum fuss. Mika gets Auckland going forward while Upton is skilled in aerial sports and doesn't mind a bit of how's your father.

Feeling the pressure: Bay of Plenty first five-eighths Murray Williams has a big point to prove after failing to crack the Auckland set-up. Solid so far but can he cope with a little extra spice?

Random fact: 1999 was the last time Auckland won their first four NPC games.

Auckland

Brent Ward, Isa Nacewa, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou, Tony Koonwaiyou, Tasesa Lavea, Taniela Moa, Angus MacDonald, Daniel Braid, Justin Collins (captain), Kurtis Haiu, Brad Mika, Daniel Muller, John Fonokalafi, Nick White. Reserves Semisi Telefoni, John Afoa, Bryce Williams, Jerome Kaino, Steve Devine, Isaia Toeava, Jamie Helleur.

BoP

Adrian Cashmore, David Johnston, Grant McQuoid, Jeffrey Ierome, Anthony Tahana, Murray Williams, Charles Hubbard, Colin Bourke, Nili Latu, Wayne Ormond (captain), Bernie Upton, Mark Sorenson, Ben Castle, Aleki Lutui, Simms Davison. Reserves John Pareanga, James Afoa, Warren Smith, Matua Parkinson, Garrick Cowley/Kevin Senio, Rena Schuster, Hayden Reid.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY