NPC star power bright in Otago

After the wobbles of last week, Wallaby coach Eddie Jones might look enviously at the frontrow battles which should be at the core of Auckland's NPC duel with Otago tonight at Carisbrook.

All four props have been with recent All Black squads, while Derren Witcombe has marched into national ranks at the expense of injured Otago hooker Anton Oliver.

The frontrow clash should be heavyweight stuff for referee Steve Walsh to control, not the sort of evasive, sneaky attempts which passed for Australian scrummaging a week ago at Sydney.

It could be a rude return for John Afoa, who was taken away with the All Blacks for the offshore Tri-Nations matches but has not played a match since his Junior All Black foray. Carl Hoeft will be a formidable first-up opponent.

Afoa said: "Just being around all the guys in the All Blacks was an incredible experience and learning how professional they were everywhere with their time, how they worked, how they acted off the field, how they felt the importance of representing New Zealand.

"I was hopeful of getting a game but it wasn't to be. However, Carl [Hayman] helped me out a great deal about tighthead propping and it will be great to go up against his side this week.

"Hoefty is a pretty tough, rugged old man with a lot of strength to him and he knows his business. The whole thing should be a good scrap."

Coach Pat Lam is certain the forward contest will be up several notches from those in Auckland's opening win against neighbours North Harbour.

Otago's pack was always a strong weapon for the southerners and the return of Hayman and James Ryan would boost their resources.

Lam had been encouraged by Auckland's work last week and in particular the miserly defence.

"That is all about getting the attitude right."

Another who wants to maintain that level is first five-eighths Tasesa Lavea, one of a clutch of players, including tonight's rival Nick Evans, who are being scouted as backup specialists for the All Blacks.

"This game has to be treated no different," Lavea said yesterday.

"I am just happy to do my thing for the team ... and if that is going well then anything else is a bonus."

After last season's difficulties, Auckland believe they made a great deal of progress on their pre-NPC trip to Australia.

One boon was deciding, if necessary, that Angus Macdonald would be the backup openside flanker. That time has arrived tonight.

* Carisbrook, tonight 7.35

Otago

Nick Reily

Hayden Pedersen
Neil Brew
Seilala Mapusua
Matt Saunders
Nick Evans
Chris Smylie
Grant Webb
Alando Soakai
Craig Newby (c)
Tom Donnelly
James Ryan
Carl Hayman
J. Macdonald
Carl Hoeft

Auckland

Brent Ward
Doug Howlett
Ben Atiga
Sam Tuitupou
Joe Rokocoko
Tasesa Lavea
Steve Devine
Jerome Kaino
Angus Macdonald
Justin Collins (c)
Kurtis Haiu
Bradley Mika
John Afoa
Derren Witcombe
S. Taumoepeau

Reserves:

Otago: Peter Mirrielees, Chris King, Filipo Levi, Adam Thomson, Danny Lee, Ryan Bambry, Jason Shoemark

Auckland: Semisi Telefoni/Jonathan Meredith, Nick White, Bryce Williams, Daniel Crichton, Taniela Moa, Isaia Toeava, Isa Nacewa/Jamie Helleur