Waikato v Auckland
Waikato Stadium, 7.35 tonight
It is this time of year that the Super 14 starts to roll around in players' minds.
Those playing with teams still in Air New Zealand Cup contention become sharply aware that their every move might be the difference between a gig with one of the five franchises, or an extra few weeks at the beach.
One may be more relaxing, but the other is more valuable when it comes to paying the bills.
So it will be in Hamilton tonight when Waikato host Auckland, knowing a five-point win is required to make the semifinals, with Auckland out of it, irrespective of the outcome.
But according to Auckland captain Benson Stanley, the Super 14 is not a topic upon which the players dwell in the changing-room chit chat.
"It's not mentioned much, but everyone knows what's at stake," he said. "Performance on the field puts you in good stead, but you can't think too much as an individual."
In Stanley's mind the incentive is simply to perform well, helping pull your team in the right direction.
Still, plenty of his teammates will know a strong display tonight will help their case, loose forwards Onosai Auva'a and Peter Saili prime examples.
Auckland will be determined to get one over their fierce rivals from down SH1, and will take pleasure from blocking their semifinal path.
All Blacks will be missing from both teams - although Auckland have Joe Rokocoko on the wing.
"We always know Waikato love beating Auckland and over the last few years they've done a pretty good job of it," Auckland coach Mark Anscombe said. "We've got to make sure we go down and front up."
Waikato have lost captain and in-form loose forward Liam Messam, plus All Black halves Brendon Leonard and Stephen Donald.
"Auckland are a powerful side with strike across the field," Waikato coach Chris Gibbes said. "They have shown good form of late and the motivation of not winning at Waikato Stadium in a few years will be in their minds."
* * *
North Harbour's season ends with today's visit to Manawatu.
They have a stand-in captain, prop Mike Reid becoming the fourth player to lead Harbour in the campaign.
On the surface, nothing rides on the game, other than pride. They go into the match 11th (Harbour) and 12th on the table. Dig a little deeper, however, and there are compelling reasons why both would want to finish in the top 10.
The issue of which four teams will go - assuming the NZRU plan to trim the 14-team competition proceeds - has loomed darkly over the season.
Both teams will be keen to make sure they're not in the bottom four.
Otago host Counties-Manukau in Dunedin today, aiming to put a poor campaign behind them, while tomorrow Bay of Plenty play Taranaki in Mt Maunganui.
Three straight defeats for Bay have sent them tumbling from near the top of the table.
WAIKATO v AUCKLAND
Waikato
Sosene Anesi
Tim Mikkelson
Jackson Willison
Callum Bruce (c)
Dwayne Sweeney
Trent Renata
T. Kerr-Barlow
Alex Bradley
Jack Lam
Kent Fife
Toby Lynn
Kevin O'Neill
Nathan White
A. de Malmanche
Hikairo Forbes
Reserves: Pat Leafa, Pauliasi Manu, Jay Williams, Hamish Patterson, Auvasa Faleali'i, Gareth Arlidge, Chay Raui.
Auckland
Paul Williams
Joe Rokocoko
B. Stanley (c)
Jamie Helleur
Atieli Pakalani
Ash Moeke
Taniela Moa
Chris Lowrey
Onosai Auva'a
Peter Saili
A. van der Heijden
Kurtis Haiu
Charlie Faumuina
Tom McCartney
Tevita Mailau
Reserves: Vern Kamo, Latu Talakai, Romana Graham, Jordan Smiler, David Bason, Save Tokula, Henry Speight.
