The blue and white hoops of Auckland will be looking to exocise the demons of a horror 2024 season when they take on Waikato in round one of the Bunnings NPC tomorrow night (July 31).
The once-heralded union slumped to a 3-7 losing season last year, missing the playoffs after finishing 11th under now-disposed coach Craig McGrath.Former All Black Steven Bates is now at the helm, and he will be hoping his appointment of the cool-headed Frankfurt-born loosie Anton Segner as Captain will bring about a change of fortune.
Departing Blues flanker Adrian Choat is a notable ommission from Bates’ first starting XV, with young star Che Clark preferred to start along with New Zealand Under-20 number 8 Sam Hainsworth–Fa’aofo. Also of note, is the inclusion of veteran First Fives’ Aaron Cruden and Lima Sopoaga will defy father time to suit up for the Mooloo.
Anton Lienert‑Brown, Waikato’s star centre and All Black, was set to return for the opener but has been ruled out with a shoulder injury sustained during the France test series.
Despite this setback, Waikato will fancy their chances of extending win streak from their last three encounters with Auckland, which included a 39–21 victory in 2024.
Leinert-Brown was among a handful of All Black squad members released for domestic duty this week, with fringe-selections including Dalton Papali’i (Counties Manukau), Brodie McAlister (Canterbury) Ruben Love (Wellington), Christian Lio-Willie (Otago) Emoni Narawa and Pasilio Tosi (Bay of Plenty) and Timoci Tavatavanawai for Tasman getting an opportunity to stretch their legs before a potential trip to Argentina.
Defending champions Wellington will be looking to build on their strong 2024 campaign, while Canterbury, who finished sixth last season will look to reassert their dominant legacy.
Other key matchups in round one including Manawatū vs North Harbour, Wellington vs Canterbury, and Southland vs Otago.
This season marks the 20th anniversary of the professional NPC era. Each team will play 10 round-robin matches across 10 weeks, with the top eight advancing to the quarter-finals. Wins are worth four points, draws two, with bonus points available for scoring four or more tries or losing by seven or fewer.
The 14 teams top divison teams will compete in a single-division format culminating in the grand final on 25 October.
Team lineups below:
About The Author
