AIR NEW ZEALAND CUP

News | History | Fixtures & Results | Tables

Preview: Air NZ Cup, Part One

Wednesday 06th August 2008

Sleeping with the enemy: Jimmy Gopperth will provide some valuable insight for Harbour against his former team-mates

Wellington will be hoping to maintain their top spot on the Air New Zealand Cup standings with another win when they face hosts North Harbour as the tournament enters week two on the back of some surprising - perhaps even shocking - results.

The pillars of New Zealand domestic rugby were rocked as minnows Manawatu, Counties Manukau and Northland scored unlikely wins in the opening round.

First it was the Taniwha upsetting Waikato, following that it was the Turbos celebrating their first win over Canterbury in 26 years and then to cap it all off, the Steelers - who finished rock bottom last year - were victorious over 2007 champions Auckland.

As the only side to come away with a bonus point win from the first round of Air New Zealand Cup games, Wellington must fancy their chances again in Round Two at North Harbour Stadium.

But don't expect the upsets to be a thing of the past, as North Harbour have proved that they are certainly no pushovers.

North Harbour v Wellington

The Wellington Lions emerged from a weekend of upsets to be the only bonus point winners in the first round of the Air New Zealand Cup, while North Harbour were defeated 20-13 by Taranaki.

North Harbour were left to rue their inability to turn possession and territory into points last week, but will take heart from at least leaving New Plymouth with a losing bonus point - that's one point more than Waikato or Auckland could achieve.

Their line-out worked extremely well, taking nine Taranaki throws, but there was precious little else to get excited about ahead of a season that looked - still looks - promising.

The first round upsets had proven very interesting and it makes for a very good and open Air New Zealand Cup.

The fact that so many of the leading contenders had suffered losses means that North Harbour aren't at a disadvantage following their own defeat.

North Harbour captain Jimmy Gopperth and his troops have another chance, as well as home ground advantage, to make amends from last week.

Much interest will focus on the clash of the fly-halves, between Lions' rookie Dan Kirkpatrick and Gopperth, who has shifted from Wellington to the North Shore this season in a loan move.

North Harbour has a relatively inexperienced pack and the loss of Bernie Upton leaves the side a bit short (no pun intended) in the locking department, but in New Zealand U20 captain, Chris Smith, they possess a real talent and his effort will be vital.

James Afoa will also be asked for a big effort in the tight to combat the strong Wellington props.

Harbour's back-line has a number of potential game-breakers and Gopperth will want a big game against his old team, while Anthony Tuitavake will relish being passed the ball in midfield rather than having it kicked to him, which is how he received most of his possession out on the wing for the All Blacks.

Another key match-up will on the wing between Wellington's Hosea Gear and speedster Villamani Waqaseduadua.

A major boost for Wellington is the inclusion of Piri Weepu who has returned to his provincial union after featuring for the All Blacks last Saturday.

Scrum-half Alby Mathewson thus moves down to the bench, whilst Tu Umaga-Marshall comes in on the right wing in place of Brendan Watt in the other back-line change.

One change in the forwards sees Api Naikatini replace Ross Filipo at lock.

This will be Wellington's sixth fixture at North Shore City Stadium since the home team's move there from Onewa Domain in 1998, and they have won three of these encounters to North Harbour's two.

Last year the Lions won 39-14 in Wellington, running in six tries.

Prediction: The Lions look the team to beat this season after coming away unscathed against Hawke's Bay last weekend. Expect more of the same against North Harbour, but perhaps a smaller winning margin. Wellington to win by ten points.

The teams:

North Harbour: 15 George Pisi, 14 Viliame Waqaseduadua, 13 Anthony Tuitavake, 12 Mike Harris, 11 Nafi Tuitavake, 10 Jimmy Gopperth (c), 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Viliame Maafu, 7 Robbie Colhoun, 6 Tom Chamberlain, 5 Martin Purdy, 4 Chris Smith, 3 Sam Biddles, 2 James Hinchco, 1 James Afoa.
Replacements: 16 James Parsons, 17 Michael Reid, 18 Richard Mayhew, 19 Malakai Ravulo, 20 Matt France, 21 Josh York, 22 Hayden Abercrombie.

Wellington: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tu Umaga-Marshall, 13 Tamati Elliso, 12 Michael Hobbs, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Piri Weepu (c), 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Chris Masoe, 5 Api Naikatini, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 John Schwalger, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Jacob Ellison.
Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Tim Fairbrother, 18 Chris Middleton , 19 Victor Vito, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 22 Buxton Popoali'i.

Date: Thursday, August 7
Venue: North Harbour Stadium, North Shore City
Kick-off: 19:05 (07:05 GMT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
TMO: Ben Skeen
Assessor: Russell Hilton-Jones, Stuart Beissel