Wynne Gray: Auckland's style is fun to watch, but high-risk

Ten years ago, Auckland were a side laden with stars when they travelled south to challenge Canterbury for the Ranfurly Shield.

Auckland won 35-0. It was a thumping, an unexpected margin as Canterbury had a team full of quality players. The manner of the win by Auckland was also surprising.

Using a huge supply of possession from their all-test pack, Auckland suffocated Canterbury with a relentless 10-man approach.

It was a triumph for coach Graham Henry. The result justified the tactical means even if the victorious style satisfied only Auckland.

Under the laws then, Auckland pinned Canterbury in their own territory or kicked the ball dead, forcing Canterbury to restart from their 22m.

It was a clinical exhibition. There was no let-up, and Auckland even kicked several penalties late in the game rather than chance their attacking repertoire.

There is no chance Auckland will adopt similar percentage policies tomorrow when they attempt to defuse Canterbury's ninth defence of their current shield reign. The challengers will not cut back their attacking style.

"I think we would be silly to tone it down and change what we have been doing," coach Pat Lam said.

"We did that last year. We played a pretty conservative game and look where we ended up. I mean this year we have used our abilities. We have played what is in front of us and I think teams which have gone down there before have tried to play conservative rugby and look what's happened."

More often than not, Auckland have dazzled during this NPC season. Not always to potent effect but they have whizzed the ball around the park much more than any other side.

The try Daniel Braid finished last week against Wellington was a great example of the mentality Auckland have brought to rugby this season.

It is a style tailored to maximise Auckland's athletic strengths.

The coaching staff have maintained the team are playing "what is in front of them". In other words they react to their opponents' style, formation or defensive set-up.

Watching Auckland this season - a far more pleasurable experience than some of the negligence they delivered last year - you could be forgiven for thinking they play with a pre-ordained mindset.

If they really responded to what was "in front of them" they would not run the ball out so many times from their tryline. They would kick for touch and start again.

For variety, five-eighths Tasesa Lavea uses the chip kick, but Auckland give the impression that whenever they get the ball they are going to run it. No problem with that. They have notched up 32 tries - more than any other team in the NPC and have probably squandered a further dozen.

"The bottom line is we have scored the most tries, and I think that is what this game is about," said Lam. "When my kids tell me that they enjoy watching our games, because it is fun compared to some boring games, then I know I am on the right track.

"I'd rather we play a style of game which scores tries. That is what it is all about, that is what these guys enjoy doing."

Auckland have shipped tries too, too many to be comfortable when the concession is an average of three a match.

Auckland's answer seems to be that they will just score more than they concede. It is a formula that has delivered some dazzling attack, plenty of anxiety and only one disaster in the heavy defeat to Taranaki.

"Sure we are going to let a few [tries] in and we will keep working to stop that, but ultimately we will play at a high pace. Everyone gets tired - both sides - and mistakes are made on attack and defence," said Lam.

The attack will continue in Christchurch tomorrow when Auckland make the final challenge for the Ranfurly Shield.

The mantra about challenging for the trophy is that you should never die wondering, and on the evidence of this year, Auckland will not suffer from lack of inquiry. They will also feel that Canterbury are not as temperate when they are forced to play a frenetic, fast-paced, high-risk rugby.

Neither side will be confused by the other's methods. Lam acknowledged that Canterbury were consistently the toughest team to crack in the NPC. They had the best analysis and structures in the competition.

"We won't be surprising anyone so we have to go out and play well."