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It was a classic game of two halves when Northland faced off against North Harbour at Mahurangi Rugby Club on August 1 for a pre-season game.
During the first 50 minutes the teams were well matched, but Northland had a clear upper hand, reflected in the halftime score of 12-10.
As the teams switched sides, Northland found themselves looking straight into an afternoon winter sun that hung directly above Harbour’s goal post.
Northland brought some younger players on to the field to give them a run, while Harbour pulled out their best cards in an effort to reverse their fortunes.
Despite great performances on both sides, including impressive line breaks at centre field from Wellsford’s own Paddy-Jo Atkins, Northland struggled to penetrate Harbour’s defences in the 22-metre area and the game was Harbour’s. Final score: 57-31.
Northland head coach Derren Witcombe says the team has brought on a lot of learnings from last season and the goal this year is to make a semi-final home game.
He says Northland tends to play the game within their ten-metre line and the team will be looking to work on that.
“We are fortunate enough to do what we love for a job, and we have to go out there with the attitude to win every game. That’s why we review and take learnings into the next game.”
Sure enough, in their following game on August 8, Northland gave Southland a showing of their resolve with a 27-17 victory on Southland’s own turf in Invercargill.
“The good old Northland rugby style is to run the ball from anywhere. We are naturally good at that because it is what we are brought up to do here.”
Northland is fielding five players from Wellsford RFC this season including Paddy-Jo Atkins, Ross Wright, Sean Sweetman, Jordan Hyland and Rene Ranger.
“Ross Wright is a stalwart these days, and he leads the younger guys in the front row providing a lot of value. Should he keep performing well in the next year he should clean up his 100 games.”
“Ranger is still recovering from an ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] injury but is helping off field with the younger guys which is key. He’s a smart experienced rugby player.”
Sean Sweetman has returned to the squad after a frustrating couple of years with injury.
Paddy-Jo Atkins is one of 14 players who earned their spot through club rugby, with Northland filling all its club rugby spots this season.
Jordan Hyland joins Northland from Super Rugby having played for the Highlanders in 2019.
North Harbour coach Kieran Keane says this season their side is a blend of youth and experience with 12 new players from their club competition.
“The teams to beat remain Auckland and Canterbury, but to be fair the Mitre 10 cup is a sprint compared to super rugby, so every game is hard fought.”
