BATTLE OF THE BRIDGE - Back to where it all began

5 August 2015

QBE Harbour will return to its spiritual home where the province arrived on the scene 30 years ago for their final preseason encounter before the ITM Cup starts next week.

Steve Jackson’s side will take on its closest rival Auckland at Onewa Domain on Thursday afternoon, in a repeat of that infamous 1994 NPC final held at the same venue.

While there’s not as much on the line for either side, Jackson’s stressing the importance to take another step forward ahead of their regular season opener against Bay of Plenty.

“The Battle of the Bridge should bring out an extra edge in both sides, especially at Onewa Domain. We don’t meet again this year, so bragging rights are up for grabs.”

“We’ve made a few changes from the starting side that played against Waikato last week. Bryn Hall, Matt McGahan and Pita Ahki bolster the backline, while Hayden Triggs adds some experience up front.”

Auckland, coached by former Harbour player Paul Feeney, is excited by the fixture.

“I’m a Takapuna man and I played there a lot when I played for Harbour so it’s great to go back to Onewa. We want to win this game, Harbour are our arch-rivals from an Auckland perspective, but we’ve also got an eye on getting things right for our opener against Southland.”

There’s no entry fee at Onewa Domain for the 3pm kick-off.

For further information contact Nick Bewley on 02102762187

QBE HARBOUR