Excitement brewing ahead of Auckland clash

There’s a sense of occasion brewing amongst the Canterbury NPC side ahead of Friday night’s clash against old rivals Auckland.

“This is what the NPC is all about!” exclaimed Head Coach Marty Bourke.  

“There’s more than 140 years of history between ourselves and Auckland, we know exactly what’s at stake and that’s what excites us, that’s what’s driving a special energy amongst the group this week,” Bourke explained.  

With seven wins and one loss in 2022, Canterbury sits at the top of the evens side of the NPC ladder, eleven points ahead of Auckland, securing a home quarter final with two games to spare. But none of that has come into the thinking of Bourke as he selects his side for Friday. “Our focus is squarely on Auckland and keeping momentum, and that comes with playing the exciting style of rugby we know we can.”  

That sees just minor tweaks to the starting 15 that beat Counties Manukau in Pukekohe, with experienced winger George Bridge returning to the left wing, which sees Fijian International Manasa Mataele shifting to the right. Dallas McLeod slots back into centre while Oli Jager returns to tight head prop.  

“This time of year is about keeping guys fresh while strengthening the side through consistency,” said Bourke. 

Alex Harford gets an opportunity to start in the number 10 jersey with Fergus Burke out with illness.  

Exciting youngsters George Bell and Zach Gallagher will provide impact off the bench, with Bell retuning following 2 weeks off and Gallagher having sat out since round 2.  

Finlay Brewis is also back in jersey 17, with England International Willi Heinz and the Punivai brothers providing cover in the backs.  

Kick off on Friday is at 7:05pm at Orangetheory Stadium.