Big-name players listed in NPC opening weekend
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The 50th anniversary of rugby's NPC gets underway with limited fuss and limited effort from NZ Rugby to what is still the breeding ground of the game.
Of note in starting lineups for the initial weekend is a few former All Blacks and well-known Super Rugby team members.
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Game one on Thursday 30 July is Waikato hosting BOP at FMG Stadium in Hamilton with a 7.10 kick off.
Samipeni Finau lines up on the side of the scrum for the home side alongside Malachi Wrampling Alex and Oli Mathias in a strong loose forward trio.
BOP have Kurt Eklund and Tavita Mafileo in the front row and plenty of backline speed out wide.
The Friday night game is at Trafalgar Park with Tasman against North Harbour who have Bryn Hall starting for his 99th NPC game in an otherwise inexperienced Harbour side.
Tasman have Shannon Frizell at No 8, Noah Hotham at halfback as well as David Havilli at centre in an overall strong lineup.
In the first of three games on Saturday 1 August Counties Manukau are at home at 2.05 against Taranaki.
Counties are primarily a club based side with veteran Jimmy Tupou at lock and Atu Moli in the front row.
Taranaki have plenty of Super Rugby experience from front row to fullback including Brad Slater, Kaylum Boshier and Adam Lennox.
At 5.05pm Southland and Otago face off in Invercargill with the visitors looking strong on paper Christian Lio-Willie and Lucas Casey in the loose forwards with Cam Millar directing play with Patrick Pelligrini in the subs.
Southland won't be a pushover with Mitch Dunshea and Sean Withey leading the side in the forwards.
On Saturday night the old rivalry of Canterbury, the defending champions clashing with Auckland at One NZ Stadium kicks off.
Both sides are stacked with experience and young talent and of course there's Richie Mo'unga in the home sides reserves.
Auckland have a strong front row while both sides have exciting players in the outside backs.
On Sunday at 2.05pm Northland host Manawatu with the home side looking strong on paper as Marcel Renata lines up in front row, Josh Goodhue at lock and an inside combo of Sam Nock and Rivez Reihana.
Manawatu are based on local players but the experience of Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen and Ngane Laumape.
The final match of the round is Wellington at home against Hawke's Bay at 5.05pm
There's been some massive changes in Wellington from the past, but there's still strength in plenty of positions with Caleb Delany and Hugo Plummer locking the scrum and of course Du'Plessis Kirifi on the side of the scrum.
The Bay side are solid across the field and will likely be contenders as they remain stable for the season..
