Auckland A Rugby Team Prospects Face Final Test

Auckland Prospects Face Final Test Against North Harbour

For Immediate Release

Auckland A Team Prospects Face Final Test Against North Harbour

NPC 2001 Squad to be Selected Following First Pre-Season Game

Auckland, New Zealand, 26 July 2001 - Rugby fans will have an early look at the Auckland A team's top candidates for the 2001 Air New Zealand NPC Campaign when the squad squares off against North Harbour on July 29. In the season's first warm-up game, fans will have the chance to see some of the ARFU's top players like Eroni Clarke and Xavier Rush, as well as newcomers like French test prop Christian Califano.

Hosted by the Waiheke Rugby Football Club, the game will take place at the Onetangi Sports Ground on Waiheke Island. Admission is free. Kickoff is at 3 p.m., with a curtain raiser between the Auckland and North Harbour development teams beginning at 1 p.m.

"We had such a tremendous show of community support at last year's pre-season game on Waiheke that we have decided to return a second time," said Wayne Pivac, Auckland A team coach. "So that more people can attend, we have moved the game from Tuesday to Sunday this year, and we're looking forward to seeing the fans on the island."

"Sunday is the final part of our trial phase for the NPC campaign," continued Pivac. "We will announce the final NPC squad next week, which we will then prepare for the second pre-season game against Northland.

"We are looking forward to playing on Sunday and hope that it will be an entertaining and enjoyable experience for all those who turn up for the game."

Travelling to the Game

To make it easy for fans to travel to the match and spend the afternoon on Waiheke, Fullers Ferries will be offering special "Boat & Bus" packages to and from the game for $26.60 for adults and $12.60 for children. Boats depart from the Auckland Ferry Building on the hour between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and return to Auckland hourly after 5 p.m. Groups of 20 or more should make reservations with Fullers Events by ringing 09 367 9174.

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