The Auckland Vulcans kick off their three week run at home with a clash against the Balmain Ryde-Eastwood Tigers this Saturday, 1pm at Mount Smart.

Having defied the odds in their past two matches the Vulcans come into this week’s game as the apparent favourites, but will be the first to admit that they have yet to reach their full potential.

Their nervous win over Wentworthville last week had fans on the edge of their seats, as Chris Sandow and his Magpies swooped in on the Vulcans’ 22 point (28-6) half-time lead, ending the game just short by one try (42-38).

The Tigers will be nursing their wounds having suffering a heavy defeat to the red hot Windsor Wolves in round nine. Despite the loss, memories of their 32-0 dismantling of the Jets in the previous round won’t have faded just yet and Auckland will need to on their toes should the Tigers put on a similar performance.

The biggest area of improvement for Ricky Henry’s men this week undoubtedly needs to be on the defensive side of the ball. Despite having awesome ability to blast through opponents, the Vulcans’ have let in no less than 20 points in seven of their last eight match ups, and on four of those occasions the damage has been in excess of 30 points.

Changes to this week’s Vulcans side begin with Steve Waetford who slots in at fullback after a minor groin injury to Glen Fisiiahi sees him out of action for a week. Konrad Hurrell is traded out to the Warriors for Krisnan Inu who lines up in the centres with Rusty Bristow. Pita Godinet returns to the half back position after spending some time at first grade as cover for Shaun Johnson. In the forwards, Suaia Matagi is at prop, while Manu Ma’u takes his spot on the bench.

Auckland Vulcans

1. Steve Waetford
2. Dylan Collier
3. Rusty Bristow
4. Krisnan Inu
5. Willie Peace
6. Willie Stowers
7. Pita Godinet
8. Herman Retzlaff
9. Alehana Mara
10. Suaia Matagi
11. Agnatius Paasi
12. Sam Lousi
13. Tevita Latu

14. Trent Bishop
15. Daniel Palavi
16. Manu Mau
18. Murray Iti

COACH: Ricky Henry

Balmain Ryde-Eastwood Tigers

1. Sean Meaney (c)
2. John Grant
3. Jy Hitchcox
4. Jake Clarke
5. Gus Agia
6. Dane Chisholm
7. Marc Russell
8. Shaun Spence
9. Pat Politoni
10. Jack Spencer
11. Jarrod Farlow
12. Josh Davis
13. David Harris

14. Limoni Kamuta
15. Dayne Craig
16. Nathan Waters
17. Rhys Curran
20. Linc Port

COACH: Paul Fletcher