Auckland gearing up for Taranaki clash

Auckland Representative selector/coach former Kiwi Sam Panapa has announced the following team to play Taranaki at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth on Sunday 1 June as part of the Taranaki Provinces 100 year Centennial celebrations. It is 99 years since the two Provinces first met with Auckland winning that fixture 27-11.

This representative team is the first time since the then Bartercard Cup commenced in 2000 that a full strength Auckland Provincial team has been able to be selected from all club players in the Auckland competition.

Auckland coach Sam Panapa is impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of the players to be part of this historic occasion with the team also playing in the traditional Auckland hoop jerseys.

Panapa will be assisted by duel Fox Memorial winning coach and current Manurewa Marlins mentor Rusty Matua. Also on the coaching staff is former Kiwi, Warrior and Wigan player, Jerry Seuseu. Seuseu himself a former Auckland representative player whose own career was launched through his selection says