Northland pack punch

North Harbour 13 Northland 23

When you are in charge of a union which last won a game in the old NPC first division competition as long ago as 2002, no coaching staff can be too confident about a new season.

But Northland's fresh coaching duo of Mark Anscombe and former All Black Bruce Robertson may have good cause to be optimistic about their side's chances in the Air New Zealand Cup if yesterday's practice match against North Harbour at Albany was any indication.

Northland scored two tries to one and, if Harbour were a little under strength, there was no doubting that the Taniwha were much the better side. "We're very happy with that performance," Robertson said.

"It was a good hit-out for next weekend (when Northland host Southland in their NPC opener) and a step in the right direction."

For Anscombe, who moved north after being Harbour's forward coach, the effort of the pack, in which NZ Maori flanker Jake Paringatai was prominent, was the most encouraging feature - particularly as last week, against Tasman, some of the forward play had been found wanting.

Against a slight wind, Northland quickly gained an edge to lead at the break, 17-10. A concerted forward drive brought prop Stan Wright a try and lively Wellsford wing Rene Ranger added another when he was slipped a pass by first-five David Holwell.

Nursing a slight injury and resting from goalkicking duties, Holwell retired for the second spell and his young replacement Daniel Bowden, not long out of Auckland Grammar first XV, offered another sign that Northland's depth in crucial areas may be sound this season.

Partnered by another former Aucklander, David Gibson, who came on for John Senio at halfback, Bowden showed plenty of composure with two penalties, the second of which was from well out, to seal the win.

Harbour's disappointing performance followed last week's second-spell blowout against Otago and offered little sign that the side can repeat last year's feat of making the playoffs.

However, the result had to be taken in the context of a number of difficulties going into yesterday's game, particularly injuries.

Harbour were without hookers Ngarimu Simpkins and Roger Dustow and No 8 Nick Williams. Captain Rua Tipoki is still out because of his Super 14 suspension and Luke McAlister, Greg Rawlinson and Tony Woodcock are with the All Blacks.

The youthful stand-in captain, Anthony Boric, tried manfully to inspire his largely inexperienced side and, when flanker Regan Tamihere scored right on halftime, it seemed Harbour were still in the match.

But a number of missed tackles and some discipline lapses followed, one of which led to Tamihere being sin-binned by referee Kelvin Deaker in the first spell.

Late in the match, the backline finally moved with rhythm when replacement three-quarter Zar Lawrence burst into the clear, only to fail with his attempted pass to find wing Viliame Waqaseduadua on his outside. It typified Harbours problems.

Northland 23 (R Ranger, S Wright tries, J Levi 2 cons, pen, D Bowden 2 pens).
North Harbour 13 (R Tamihere try, T Pisi con, 2 pens).
HT: 17-10