Two styles - one helluva game

If Auckland and Otago can replicate the tumult of their last NPC final clash, the competition will have an explosive conclusion before it mutates into an expanded series next season.

The drama of the rivals' epic 1995 meeting at Eden Park means that match will not easily be forgotten. It may rate alongside the Richard Loe eye-gouging final in 1992 for controversy.

Tonight's game at Eden Park offers a fascinating contrast in team styles: the freewheeling Auckland trying to out-manoeuvre the more conservative Otago pattern.

It also offers the team prize of the last NPC title in its current format and the stage for individuals to make their last plea for All Black selection tomorrow.

This is the ultimate provincial cauldron, where the sides' reaction to the extra pressure and the players' ability to deliver under the weight of expectation will receive serious examination.

Both sides have to believe they are set for this final. They have to have faith and patience in the game plans they have chosen. Any great deviation and the doubts will surface, the opposition will seize the chance.

There will be no surprise at the teams' basic tactics, though there will be variations depending on which climate hovers over the ground at kickoff.

Auckland and Otago have built on the styles that have got them to this decider, and it may be that the southerners have made the most of their abilities.

If the packs produce similar possession, the guidance from Nick Evans and Tasesa Lavea will go a long way towards the result. Evans can be a better tactical kicker. If he finds that range and also kicks well for goal, Otago should be able to settle on the rhythm they want to play the game. If they are rushed or the game breaks open, they will have trouble.

Auckland fancy their ability to match Otago in the pack and the work of props John Afoa and Saimone Taumoepeau. The latter's personal duel with Carl Hayman will set the home side's fate. It may also decide a place in the squad picked to attempt the Grand Slam.

If Auckland combat the visiting pack, the continuity and ball-running prowess of Jerome Kaino and Keven Mealamu can have some impact.

There will be no reduction in endeavour from the backline. They have attacked all year. To alter their approach now would be like England reversing their tactics to their detriment in the 1991 World Cup final.

Auckland will have eyed the defensive flaws on Otago's right flank, which were exposed in their semifinal win against Canterbury last week. Joe Rokocoko and others could make even more of that frailty.

Otago's plans will be to blunt Auckland's athleticism, to recycle their ball and engage them in gruelling phases of defensive work.

They will drive some mauls with Anton Oliver, Hayman and Craig Newby directing. They will work the fringes and use the blindside and the power running of Chris Smylie and Seilala Mapusua with the variety of Evans' darting speed or tactical kicking.

The template was set by Taranaki, who outmuscled Auckland, squeezed them out of the game and forced their backs into consistent errors under extra pressure. Canterbury followed that scheme and won as well.

Auckland did not play especially well when they beat Otago comfortably at Carisbrook in the opening round.

Both sides have improved substantially since then but Auckland have that little extra attacking venom to make the difference.

 * Auckland V Otago, Eden Park, Auckland, 7.35 tonight

AUCKLAND

Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina, Isa Nacewa, Joe Rokocoko, Tasesa Lavea, Steve Devine, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Justin Collins (c), Ali Williams, Angus Macdonald, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, S. Taumoepeau

Reserves: (one to omit) John Fonokolafi, Nick White, Kurtis Haiu, Brad Mika, Taniela Moa, Sam Tuitupou, Ben Atiga, Tony Koonwaiyou

OTAGO

Craig Clare, Glen Horton, Neil Brew, Seilala Mapusua, Matt Saunders, Nick Evans, Chris Smylie, Grant Webb, Josh Blackie, Craig Newby (c), James Ryan, Tom Donnelly, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Chris King

Reserves: Jason Macdonald, Grant Polson, Filipo Levi, Alando Soakai, Toby Morland, Ryan Bambry, Jason Shoemark