Auckland travel with confidence

Isa Nacewa gets his chance. Picture / Dean Purcell

Auckland's last NPC campaign went pear-shaped on the opening weekend when the Ranfurly Shield headed to Bay of Plenty.

After five rounds they had one win and it was effectively season over. Auckland finished seventh, one spot behind North Harbour.

But coach Pat Lam is convinced his players are far more advanced this time for the first-round battle with rivals North Harbour at Albany tomorrow night.

Lam is looking forward but is aware that to succeed, teams and coaches must learn from their mistakes.

"I believe you learn more when times are difficult," he said yesterday. "Last year was very important. It gave me time in the off-season to look at everything we're doing, and I'm really pleased with our preparation."

Lam is relishing the bridge battle to start the competition. It gives an early chance for franchise bragging rights, and he reckons it should be inked in as an opening round fixture.

"It's given both teams more focus to their preparation. We need to hit the ground running, and this brings an extra edge to the start of the season."

He has named the versatile Isa Nacewa at second five-eighths, and lock Kurtis Haiu gets a start and a chance to back Lam's belief that the New Zealand Colt is a forward of rare potential.

North Harbour coach Allan Pollock put in a plug for club rugby with his selection of Junior Poluleuligaga at halfback ahead of the more experienced Craig McGrath and Ben Meyer.

Poluleuligaga, a former national secondary schools representative, caught Pollock's eye a few seasons back during his days in the Blues development squad.

Reserves Anthony Boric and Jon Elrick and wing George Pisi are making their first appearances while wing Zar Lawrence had two brief runs off the bench last year.

Poluleuligaga will be up against former All Black Steve Devine, but Pollock is confident he has the talent for the job.

"Both Craig and Ben had 2005 Super 12 experience but if club rugby is to count for anything then a standout player like Junior deserves his chance to show he can operate at this level."

The other player who will attract special interest is No 8 Nick Williams, who has been in rollicking pre-season form, following high praise for his debut campaign last year.

"His challenge is the second-year syndrome," Pollock said. "Players can think their last year was great and what they are doing is good enough - and Nick will not be making that mistake - and the opposition had had a really good look at you.

"But he plays rugby the way young men should, with verve, enthusiasm and has a real love of the game."