Auckland begin their 2022 NPC campaign on a historic day for rugby in Auckland at Eden Park. The Blue and White Hoops will line up against northern neighbours North Harbour in The Battle of the Bridge.

Harry Plummer will lead Auckland from first five-eighth, with Grammar TEC clubmen Corey Evans and AJ Lam joining him in the inside backs. Lam has moved to the centre position after showcasing his talents on the wing for the Blues in Super Rugby.

Five debutants will feature in the gameday 23 for Auckland. Connor Vest, Jackson Pugh, Tomas Aoake, Joshua Fusitua and Manu Paea are in line for their first appearance in the Blue and White Hoops on Saturday.

A highly experienced front row will start the opening match, with 101 Auckland caps between them. Alex Hodgman and Marcel Renata will hold both sides of the scrum and Leni Apisai at Hooker.

Blake Gibson, Adrian Choat and Jackson Pugh form the loose forward trio. Gibson will offer his expertise as a former captain of the flagship men’s team.

Salesi Rayasi looks to carry on his NPC form on the left wing, and Māori All Black Zarn Sullivan will be in the pocket and pulling strings from the fullback position.

Auckland’s last encounter with North Harbour ended dramatically as North Harbour scratched out a 23-22 win at QBE Stadium in 2020.

The “Battle of The Bridge” will be part of a Triple Header at Eden Park that will celebrate the rich history of rugby in Auckland.

The Storm will play Manawatu in their FPC fixture, and a historical Gallaher Shield Final as Auckland Rugby celebrate 100 years of the Premier Men’s competition.

It will be a special day for our men in the Blue and White Hoops, who, for many, would have raised the hallowed Gallaher Shield for their club and community during its 100-year history.

The Auckland Rugby community will be spilling into Eden Park from the first whistle of the Auckland Storm match right through until we hear “up the gulls” shouted from the stands as the NPC team run out for their season opener. Kick-off is at 7:05pm.

Auckland team v North Harbour

1. Alex Hodgman (Eden Rugby Club)
2. Leni Apisai (Ponsonby Rugby Club)
3. Marcel Renata (University Rugby Club)
4. Jamie Lane (Ponsonby Rugby Club)
5. Connor Vest (DEBUT) (University Rugby Club)
6. Blake Gibson (Ponsonby Rugby Club)
7. Adrian Choat (Waitemata Rugby Club)
8. Jackson Pugh (DEBUT) (Marist Brothers Old Boys Rugby Club)
9. Taufa Funaki (Marist Brothers Old Boys Rugby Club)
10. Harry Plummer © (Grammar TEC Rugby Club)
11. Salesi Rayasi (Marist Brothers Old Boys Rugby Club)
12. Corey Evans (Grammar TEC Rugby Club)
13. AJ Lam (Grammar TEC Rugby Club)
14. Tomas Aoake (DEBUT) (Ponsonby Rugby Club)
15. Zarn Sullivan (College Rifles Rugby Club)
16. Soane Vikena (Ponsonby Rugby Club)
17. Joshua Fusitua (DEBUT) (Grammar TEC Rugby Club)
18. Sione Ahio (Waitemata Rugby Club)
19. Hamish Dalzell (College Rifles Rugby Club)
20. Vaiolini Ekuasi (East Tamaki Rugby Club)
21. Manu Paea (DEBUT) (Manukau Rovers Rugby Club)
22. Simon Hickey Grammar TEC Rugby Club)
23. Jordan Trainor (Ponsonby Rugby Club)