Auckland v Counties Manukau

[Tim]

Seven debutants on the bench, nine in the team. Completely new tight five from last year. Interesting!

[Tim]

Counties come to town to kick-off the Mitre 10 season (plus programme)

Blake Gibson to Captain Auckland for the first time Ten potential debutants set to make their mark...

[Daffy Jaffy]

Notable omissions/unavailability's? Clarke, Ravouvou, Tele'a, Seu, Tuipolotu, Fatialofa, Renata. They will need some of those guys back if they are to trouble the top teams. Concern that Sosene has not played any preseason (named but pulled out of the last game) so his combination with his locks under pressure could be a worry.

[Dice]

Tight 5 is the biggest worry for me. I didn't realize we'd be missing Tuipulotu, Fatialofa and Renata for this game.

[Dice]

Just realized Gibson is captain. The last time he was captain was in school when Tai Lavea was his coach.

[cgrant]

Both teams are seriously under strength. It will be interesting to see how all these newbies fare.

[KiwiMurph]

Of course its TJ on comms....

[KiwiMurph]

Auckland concede the ball, a penalty and a try. This feels familiar...

[KiwiMurph]

...and give another penalty....

[KiwiMurph]

Rayasi!

Beautiful try - great pass Akira, Manu hits the gap and a great chip kick and Rayasi has enough pace to score.

[KiwiMurph]

Auckland scrum in trouble already.

[KiwiMurph]

Now Auckland smashed in a lineout drive. Again....familiar...

[gt12]

My god, three Blues loosies just watching on.

[KiwiMurph]

Much better play from Auckland. Probing runs from a lot of players.

[Dice]

Backs look slick so far. Good balance in the backline.

[KiwiMurph]

@dice Agreed. Refreshing.

[KiwiMurph]

Manu is a gun. Looks at home in midfield.

[Dice]

@kiwimurph Even our kicking game has been good. Tai Lavea might be a masterstroke signing.

[KiwiMurph]

Solid defence. Auckland actually playing like they care this year.

[Tim]

Fukofuka looking good.

Think this season will come down to tight five performance, and the team's composure under pressure.

Looking forward to seeing more of Manu in the midfield.