Rugby: Clash of two enigmas of NPC

Auckland v Otago

Two of the most enduring NPC mysteries will be on show today at Eden Park.

Auckland have not played any special rugby this season, but they have been beaten only once, while Otago, a side with an array of All Blacks, have clicked far too infrequently.

The All Blacks have perhaps been the key issue for both sides.

Auckland, with just Craig Dowd and Doug Howlett as current All Blacks, have not had their planning interrupted by swinging-door arrivals and departures of international players.

Both players had minimal parts in the test schedule and were fresh on their return.

In the meantime Auckland could prosper with the reserves of talent they have, including an experienced layer of former internationals.

Otago do not have that depth and lost their three opening matches, against Waikato, Wellington and North Harbour, when their test men tried to retrieve the poor start but had not recovered from their trip to South Africa.

The away loss later to Taranaki was the greatest blow, one which might cost them in the race for the playoffs even if they win today.

Close games have not fallen the way of the southerners this season. No one needs to tell them that again after last week's traumatic Ranfurly Shield slip.

Watch Auckland - they win, but sometimes you wonder how. Even coach Wayne Pivac has made regular noises about improvements needed, though he has had to bear just one defeat, against Canterbury, this season.

Auckland are not flash but have consistent patterns. They play percentage rugby. They have a pack with size, height and experience, defensive strength throughout the team and a backline who are working into some quality.

In each game Carlos Spencer has shown improved direction, while Craig Innes is the organiser, the mistake-free linchpin who keeps it all together.

He is not playing today, nor is lineout star Leo Lafaiali'i, and Auckland may, subconsciously, ease their way through the match knowing they will host next Friday's first semifinal.

In parts though, they look stronger. The rearranged front row look a better scrummaging trio, while Eroni Clarke still appeals as a big-game player rather than the erratic Iliesa Tanivula at centre.

Otago will need other results to go their way to make the semifinals. But first they have to win to have any chance of extending Josh Kronfeld's New Zealand career past Eden Park.

Victory, and they could end up playing Canterbury again next Saturday. Kronfeld and Co would like that chance of revenge.

Auckland: Adrian Cashmore, Malili Muliaina, Eroni Clarke, Amasio Valence, Doug Howlett, Carlos Spencer, Steve Devine, Xavier Rush, Andrew Blowers, Dylan Mika, Charles Riechelmann (capt), Robin Brooke, Nick White, Keven Mealamu, Craig Dowd. Res: Iliesa Tanivula, Orene Ai'i, Ben Meyer, Finau Maka, Leo Lafaiali'i, Paul Thomson, James Christian.

Otago: Justin Swart, Brendan Laney, Seilala Mapusua, Pita Alatini, Hayden Reid, Tony Brown, Byron Kelleher, Kelvin Middleton (capt), Josh Kronfeld, Taine Randell, Simon Maling, Filipo Levi, Carl Hoeft, Anton Oliver, Carl Hayman. Res: Romi Ropati, Charles Hore, Donovan Hall; Josh Blackie, Andrew McClintock, Joe McDonnell, Tom Willis.