Rugby: Auckland have plenty of smarts

Mark Anscombe. Photo / Richard Robinson

When Auckland coach Mark Anscombe went searching for some extra impetus this year he wanted blokes who would bring as much rugby nous as athleticism.

He nominated captain Daniel Braid, fullback Brent Ward and centre Ben Atiga as men with the smarts to drive his side, rugby traits which may come in extra handy today if dodgy weather hits as Auckland square off against Bay of Plenty at Bay Park Stadium in Mt Maunganui.

"Last year I think we lacked some leadership and then this year we have lost those like Benson Stanley [All Blacks] and Paul Williams [overseas] who were filling that role for us," said Anscombe. "We did not have a great deal in behind those boys last year and this season we have been able to build a bit more. As a group we are ahead of where we were last season."

Forwards like Tom McCartney and Andrew van der Heijden were building on their experience and had added an different dimension to the side, but it would also help when Isaia Toeava and Winston Stanley returned from the injury roster.

"Guys are stepping up and making good decisions and I think the team is growing a lot," said Anscombe.

Some doubts may have resurfaced after several Auckland mistakes then some sharp work from Waikato allowed the visitors to claim a victory in overtime last week at Eden Park.

"That was more a case of us not playing in the last 20 minutes, we had a mindset of holding on instead of attacking the game," the coach said. "When we got out of our half we gave the ball straight back to them."

The Bay were also victims against Waikato in round one but then showed their adventure and enterprise against Hawkes Bay a week ago.

They have some serious attacking clout out wide and are getting some more impact up front through James McGougan, Culum Retallick, Tanerau Latimer and captain Colin Bourke.

There will also be the intriguing comparison between Auckland's imported halfback Toby Morland and the province's former choice, Taniela Moa, who has resurfaced in the Bay.

"If we give him some space Taniela will hurt us, so we have to be on to our game."



BAY OF PLENTY v AUCKLAND
Bay Park, 2.35pm today
Referee: Josh Noonan

BAY OF PLENTY
Sean Horan
Toby Arnold
Lelia Masaga
Brett Mather
Grant McQuoid
Lance MacDonald
Phil Burleigh
Taniela Moa
Colin Bourke (c)
Tanerau Latimer
Luke Braid
Culum Retallick
Luke Andrews
James McGougan
John Pareanga
Josh Hohneck
Reserves: Simon Chisholm, Joe Savage, Aiden Kuka, Sam Cane, Chad Tuoro, Dan Waenga, Ben Smith.

AUCKLAND
Mark Anscombe
Brent Ward
Atieli Pakalani
Ben Atiga
Jamie Helleur
Dave Thomas
Matt Berquist
Toby Morland
Peter Saili
Daniel Braid (c)
Onosai Auva'a
A van der Heijden
Kurtis Haiu
Charlie Faumuina
Tom McCartney
Tevita Mailau
Reserves: Ash Dixon, Pauliasi Manu, Liaki Moli, Chris Lowrey, Brenton Helleur, Ash Moeke, Charles Piutau.