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Live sport on SN this weekendAuckland out to restore NPC pride after disastrous 2025 campaign
Sport Nation •  July 24th, 2026 1:10 pm
Steven Bates | Photo: Photosport
Auckland head coach Steven Bates says his side is determined to bounce back in the 2026 NPC after a disappointing campaign last season.
The proud province finished 12th on the ladder in 2025 – well below expectations for one of New Zealand rugby's traditional powerhouses – after a season Bates said was "decimated" by injuries.
The coach believes his squad is in a much healthier position heading into the new campaign, with only a couple of players currently sidelined. He also pointed to the experience gained by a youthful group forced into bigger roles last year.
"We're still reasonably young, but we also have some experience now, and we're continuing to build in that area," Bates said.
Bates said confidence within the squad was high after an intensive pre-season focused on rugby.
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"We've put a lot of rugby content into our pre-season. We've had some big days, quite a few double days, and tried to make the main thing the main thing – and that is rugby."
Auckland is also set to unveil several exciting young talents, including New Zealand Under-20 representative Caleb Woodley and versatile back Cohen Norrie.
One notable absentee will be Josh Timu, who returned north after spending time with the Highlanders but will miss the season after suffering an ACL injury.
While Bates stopped short of making bold predictions, he said supporters could expect a side fully committed to restoring pride in the blue and white jersey.
"I can't guarantee anything in sport," he said. "But what I can assure people is that we are working extremely hard and we are not leaving any stone unturned in our pursuit to push our way up the ladder."
Auckland's season begins with a daunting assignment against defending champions Canterbury in the first-ever NPC match at Te Kaha Stadium on Saturday, August 1.
Listen to the full interview below:
