Rugby: Lam wary of Taniwha

Ben Lam remains wary of the lowly Northland. Photo / Getty

Ben Lam is wary of the Northland Taniwha, despite their 0-7 record.

This comes ahead of tomorrow's ITM Cup crossover clash at Eden Park, where the Taniwha have not won in seven years.

Some of the Auckland wing's caution comes from the fact he knows the Northland coach well from his club days. Richie Harris is an astute operator who has struggled to gel some talented players such as halfback Sam Nock, NZ Under 20 lock Josh Goodhue, and loose forwards Dan and Kara Pryor with men who are straight out of the Northland club scene.

"They haven't been travelling too well this year, so they will target this one as one they want to win. All it takes is for them to click," said Lam who, with five tries in seven games, making for nine in 26 in all, is having his best season for Auckland. He has come a long way from the callow youth who was parachuted into a 2012 Blues game against the Stormers before he had even appeared for Auckland. There is more assuredness in his game now, and he has worked hard on lifting his work-rate. The rich vein of form goes back to the Gallaher Shield club final, where he scored a double for Grammar TEC and then carved up in pre-season for Auckland. Since then he has proven a handful in the ITM Cup as coach Paul Feeney has juggled his talented outside back stocks.

"Just getting the game time and it really helps when the coach gives you confidence to just go out and play. He's not too worried about me making mistakes, so I can just go out and play freely," said Lam.

The pressure of the Ranfurly Shield appeared to get to a few players in the defeat by Hawke's Bay, but a home semifinal is the goal and is still a distinct possibility, starting with a bonus point win against Northland.

"Our focus is to get back to where we were before the Shield game. We were travelling really well," said Lam.

His 2016 plans are set, as he is still contracted to the Blues, but he will also be transitioning into the All Blacks Sevens as they go for gold at the Rio Olympics, so how that pans out exactly is not in stone yet. Lam thinks he might be in Super Rugby mode for the at least the first 10 weeks of the competition.

Auckland have recalled Melani Nanai from injury at fullback, while Lolagi Visinia moves to the wing in place of Bryce Heem, while Chiefs halfback Leon Fukofuka returns from a long layoff after some games for Auckland B. Lock Michael Fatialofa is back from suspension.

But the squad is otherwise settled. Centre Rieko Ioane is staying with the Under 19s as they complete then national tournament in Taupo, but Feeney did say he would have involved him had this clash been a Shield defence. Calvary Fonoti and Marcel Renata may yet debut off the bench.

Feeney has parked the disappointment of that loss to Hawke's Bay last Thursday, but reiterated that it was the worst display of the season.

"It was A for effort, but we need to learn from that mentally when put under pressure in big games," he said.

As for Auckland v Northland, that is a traditional grudge match. Twice, in 2001 and 2008, Auckland suffered the ignominy of being sunk by loan players (James Arlidge and Ash Moeke) they had gifted to Northland.

"We all know what they think of Auckland. They won't be worried about their last seven games. They'll just be worried about coming to Eden Park and spoiling the party," Feeney said.

The curtainraiser features Auckland B against Auckland Colts, with several Auckland squad members slotting into both sides to get much-needed game time.

Auckland: Melani Nanai, Ben Lam, Charlie Piutau, George Moala, Lolagi Visinia, Simon Hickey (c), Leon Fukofuka, Akira Ioane, Mitch Karpik, Joe Edwards, Scott Scrafton, Michael Fatialofa, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Sam Prattley; Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Isi Tu'ungafasi, Marcel Renata, Taleni Seu, Matt Matich, Jono Hickey, Calvary Fonoti, Bryce Heem