Nickname: Auks
2020 finish: First in Premiership (losing finalists)
Coach: Alama Ieremia
Captain: Harry Plummer
GAINS: robbie Abel (Australia), bryce Heem (France), Dan Hollinshead (bay of Plenty), solomone Kata (Australia), Jamie Lane (back from retirement), Jordan Lay (bay of Plenty), ryan smith (Australia), roger Tuivasasheck (nrl)
LOSSES: Jarred Adams (Manawatu), TJ Faiane (Japan), Marco Fepulea’i (usa), Liam Hallam-eames (northland), simon Hickey (injury), Tumua Manu (France), Joe royal (Counties Manukau), Mike sosene-feagai (usa), Hoskins sotutu (Counties Manukau), Tanielu Tele’a (Counties Manukau), Danny Tusitala (usa), Jack whetton (injury)
GO-TO PLAYER: Jonathan Ruru we know Jonathan ruru is like a fourth loose forward in the halfback jersey.
we also know he was probably the best halfback in the 2020 NPC behind Folau Fakatava. He will act as the conduit between a rugged forward pack and Harry Plummer at first five, with whom he has struck up a good partnership.
The 28-year-old ruru has 34 games for Auckland under his belt and 46 for the blues.
BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER: Vaiolini Ekuasi Auckland will see little of Akira Ioane this season, which means Tongan rep sione Tuipulotu or waimana riedlingerKapa will likely get first dibs on the No 8 position.
but waiting in the wings, as it were, is new Zealand under 20 rep Vaiolini ekuasi, still 19, full of promise and champing at the bit for an opportunity. He played for the blues under 20s in April, turns out for the eden club and came through the strong st Peter’s College (Cambridge) First XV, from where he cracked the 2019 nz schools side. He can also suit up on the blindside.
OUR PREDICTION: First in Premiership Auckland has made some interesting signings and will be staunch on defence again, but how Dan bowden and Alama Ieremia marshal the attacking resources could decide whether Auckland has that extra edge to push on for an 18th provincial crown. It looks more than capable of doing so, though TJ Faiane’s exit leaves a massive hole. watch this team closely.