Debreczeni over hits his kick into space and its gone in goal, ball will come all the way back to outside Northland 22m for an Auckland scrum

Rene Ranger getting hands on the ball early out wide

Touch kick over half way, but Northland steal the lineout

Auckland have turned the ball over with some good defensive work and earn a penalty

Lineout finds Goodhue, break through the maul

Harry Plummer is caught offside, penalty Northland on half way. Find touch just outside the 10

Kicking dual early on and Northland have a lineout on half way

Jack Debreczeni will start the first half with a deep kick off

Hello and welcome to Northland vs Auckland. Weather is absolutely perfect and we can expect a cracking contest after both teams played some impressive rugby in their opening round matches. Northland were particularly impressive against Premiership contenders North Habour. They were unlucky to narrowly lose by just 1 point 21-20. Northland will be looking to use the Toll Stadium for some home game advantage. Auckland were ran very close by Counties Manukau, but ultimately able to narrowly win 23-19. They will be eager to build on that win by winning away from home and build momentum. History in this fixture favors Auckland heavily with Auckland winning 80, Northland 32 and just the 8 draws. Can Northland get one over their north rivals?

Biggest Northland score: 44 in Auckland 28.09.2001 (NPC)
Biggest Auckland score: 64 in Auckland 03.10.2015 (ITMC)