If North Harbour are going to repeat their run to the semifinals of last year, they'll do it the hard way.
The union has been shorn of 10 players from the squad which made the last four before losing to eventual winners Auckland; the bulk of a hardworking, good quality
pack have gone, and they're without their captain, Rua Tipoki, until round three due to his lengthy suspension incurred during the Super 14. Still, coach Allan Pollock is relishing working with a group new to the top flight, and he wants the older hands who remain to show the younger brigade what is required.
"One of the advantages of young guys is they take information on board very quickly," he said yesterday. "We've put a little bit of onus on the seniors who played that semifinal to bring the experience of playing at that intensity to the young guys."
The backline has plenty of pace, with the likes of Anthony Tuitavake, George Pisi and especially winger Viliame Waqaseduadua. Up front, No 8 Nick Williams will be pivotal, as will temporary captain Anthony Boric, who has a chance to make further strides after dipping his toes into Super 14 waters with the Blues this year.
All Black Greg Rawlinson is as good a lineout operator as most, and Mike Noble and Adrian Donald are competent props.
Then there is an unknown element: Jonah Lomu is itching to get back and contribute. Lomu injured an ankle a fortnight ago for his Massey club side. He is sidelined this weekend but, depending how he comes through training, he might be in the frame for round two. Even so, you can't remove the accumulated wisdom of the departed players and expect to carry on without some ripples.
Pollock's philosophy is to work on the small details. Get them right and other aspects in the bigger picture will take care of themselves.
"All our focus has been on setting our own standards. We know if we can do that, the game results will take their natural place."
