Auckland head coach Wayne Pivac says his side is ready to face the might of Canterbury in the ITM Cup Premiership final on Saturday.
But while Pivac says it’s hopeful that Ali Williams will be in the starting side, All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu remains on the outer.
“It’s tough for Piri but it’s also a team decision (to leave him out of the squad),” says Pivac.
“It was a decision based around the work that goes on between 8, 9, 10 and 12.”
He says Williams is “progressing well” and faces a fitness test today before the team is announced this afternoon.
Prop Charlie Faumuina has also been announced in the squad. Pivac says he just needs to decide on the frontrow and the team’s “good to go”.
It’s the first time Canterbury and Auckland have faced off in the final and it’s a prospect that excites Pivac.
“The guys have come together really well. It’s an exciting time for Auckland. I think there’s a good couple of years in this team,” he says.
Pivac says this weekend’s final is a chance for players to redeem themselves after a disappointing Super Rugby season by the Blues, and as the hunt for 2013 contracts begins.
Watch the video for the full Firstline interview.
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