Big game for both teams this weekend, with each looking to press thier claims at a pivotal point in the season.

Looks like we should have decent conditions for this as well.

I havent seen anything, but expect Hawkins to be unavailable, no word on Hallam-Eames who went off injured in the win over Southland, havent heard anything on Ofa being available, but I am sure he'd love the opportunity to play against Auckland.

I think for the most part, assuming some fitness, we will trot out a fairly similar side, only change I'd be looking at would be to give Going a start (although the 13/23 spots may hinge on Rangers fitness) but I dont think they will do that...

Hopefully Robinson is available this week too, although creates a good problem in that we'd likely be pushing one of our form forwards, Rush out of the starting 15.

History says this game is really Aucklands to lose, Northlands only 2 wins over Auckland have been at Eden Park, Auckland typically win 13+ up here, usually based on the pack bullying ours, and allowing thier backs the time and space to do what they do.

If our pack stands up as they have so far this year, this is as good a chance as any for us to pick up our maiden win at home, hopefully they can get past any mental hurdles that playing Auckland presents as well in this often one sided rivalry.

Big chance for a Northland win this week. Yes this Auckland side is 4 from 5, but we have looked far from convincing and we probably would have been put away on another day or against a more clinical side had Otago not been their worst enemies on attack.

I wonder if we’ll see Tuipulotu in this game?

I don’t think his injury was too bad? That would explain why Kalapu was loaned out to Harbour

@African-Monkey I reckon the period of play from about 40-60 mins v Southland on Sunday, a better team would have capitalised.

As I said, Northland always struggle v Auckland, particularly at home, so it'd be nice for us to take it to Auckland for a change!

Be an interesting battle, just hope it is a good game.

The last match between these two was weird. Auckland injuring two hookers in 25mins and had to play with 14

Auckland's injury woes began in the seventh-minute on Saturday when they lost Soane Vikena in bizarre circumstances. The hooker clutched at his shoulder after a wayward lineout throw and immediately signalled to the sideline, while No 8 Sione Tuipulotu followed him off shortly after.

Northland then caught a huge break when Auckland's replacement hooker Leni Apisai hobbled off in the 25th-minute, bringing uncontested scrums into play. And because Auckland were the side that caused the issue, they were forced to play the rest of the match a man down.

The Vikena injury was crazy. His shoulder fell apart midway through a lineout throw

Jarred Adams had a very good game that day.

@Duluth said in Northland v Auckland:

Jarred Adams had a very good game that day.

Wonder if he will play for MP next year? Would shore up their scrum somewhat.

@Duluth and that final 10 mins or so we did everything we could to make sure we lost!

Of the continued omission of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Foster says he's a fast learner but not yet up to speed with their attack. He says his biggest improvement has to be breakdown work.

"He's close, but he will be one of those players who returns to NPC," he says. Tuivasa-Sheck will play for Auckland in Northland on Saturday.

Definitely Aucklands to lose, as TR mentioned there has always been a mental block against these guys, especially up here.

Bar perhaps Canterbury and Auckland we tend to do pretty well against the other “big 5” unions, so I think this is the time to park that hoodoo crap and get stuck into these guys.

I hope Ofa is available again as I see RTS has been released. Happy to take Corey Evans back on loan for one week if he’s benched! But seriously, would like to see Going at 12 this time, I think he would be best going up against RTS than Hohaia.

Played safe with my picks and went Auckland 1-8, but hell I hope I’m wrong. Kind of hope it’s pissing down TBH, so we can suck them into a grind like we did to Wellington. Seems our best hope against these more fancied teams.

@J77 not sure the predicted showers in the evening will turn into rain in the afternoon, but then it aint like our weather guessers get it right very often.

If RTS has been released then surely Ofa should be?

@taniwharugby said in Northland v Auckland:

If RTS has been released then surely Ofa should be?

Not necessarily. Ofa is probably one rolled ankle in warmup away from playing in the Test

Could be Angus released and not Ofa

@Duluth nah, they should keep Angus

@Duluth yeaaah naaah Angus can stay..although to be fair I wouldnt blame any All Black for wanting to get back to their provinces at the moment.

Northland Taniwha team to play Auckland
Not available through injury

.Chris Apoua
.Sam Caird
.Jack Goodhue
.Rene Ranger
.Sila Puafisi
#Brady Rush (NZ Sevens)
#Ofa Tu’ungafasi (All Blacks)

@Steven-Harris said in Northland v Auckland:

Northland Taniwha team to play Auckland
Not available through injury

.Chris Apoua
.Sam Caird
.Jack Goodhue
.Rene Ranger
.Sila Puafisi
#Brady Rush (NZ Sevens)
#Ofa Tu’ungafasi (All Blacks)

View image

Big Red to come trundling on in the second half for the WIN!

@Steven-Harris jeez, look at those unavailable....

That said, pretty solid team they've named, with one exception, they just need to stand up now and keep thier momentum going.

Robinson covering lock

Hawkins out of the 23 and not listed as injured.

@Duluth Hawkins will be suspended for his high shot last week

@Duluth yeah it should be 3 weeks, but given he was banned for 3 weeks for exact same offence he probably should get longer.