With the opening game of the competition less than 10 days away, the team has been enduring a pre-season of a different kind with Japan being the newest training ground for our squad.

The climate has been vastly different from what they’d be experiencing at this time of the year in Auckland.

Their first game against the Munakata Sanix Blues in Fukuoka was successful, with the team recording a 31-17 victory against their Japanese Top league opponents.

 The 12,000 spectators were treated to an entertaining spectacle played in superb conditions for running rugby. Even with temperatures well exceeding 30 degrees, Auckland was able to outlast the locals for the win in their opening pre-season hit out.

The team is now moving on to their second match, a “Game of Three Halves”, where they’ll play 40 minutes each against the Coca-Cola West Red Sparks and Kyuden Voltex. This being their final opportunity for match practice before the start of the season proper.

Head Coach Nick White has been able to get a good look at all available squad members, especially those that are coming into the environment for the first time. So far, he has said he’s been pleased with the progress of the touring team and the growth in their understanding of their roles on the field in contributing to the game plan as a whole. The developing unity of the group off-field also bodes well for the upcoming Mitre 10 Cup season.

Our opening game is against Counties-Manukau at Ecolight Stadium (7.35pm, Saturday 19^th August), where we’ll get to see our boys in action for the first time this year.