The way former Phoenix keeper Alex Paulsen ended up at Auckland – via Bournemouth last season – was a major flashpoint, especially for the fanbases. Then came Auckland’s ambush in the first clash, where they managed a late victory, then posted billboards around the capital proclaiming “Welcome to Ellington”, stating they had taken the ‘W’ back to Auckland. It’s hard to imagine that happening in any other sport here and the Phoenix were not impressed.
When the teams met again five weeks later, there was evidence of hostility between the respective coaches – Steve Corica and Giancarlo Italiano – as they traded barbs in the media, with Corica accusing Italiano of being “disrespectful” in the wake of the 2-1 win. It was quite something – especially as the duo used to work together at Sydney FC – and rare in the current airbrushed –“We are just focusing on ourselves” – era of New Zealand sport.
From being the new kids on the block, Auckland had become the masters of their domestic domain by the end of the season, winning the third clash 6-1 and finishing 29 points ahead of Phoenix. That hurt the derby narrative but this season it has sprung to life again. The fourth match was the closest yet, albeit Auckland were shorthanded for almost the entire second half.
Wellington had a lot to improve on – after an awful 2024-25 campaign – and their 2-2-2 start has not been without its stumbles. But they already look a stronger group, with a greater sense of cohesion and conviction and come into this match after an impressive win over Adelaide. They have undoubted attacking weapons – particularly Carlo Armiento and Ifeanyi Eze– though their defensive high line seems an Achilles heel.
Auckland have the pedigree and a deeper squad but have yet to fully click this season. The last fortnight has been chastening – as they have claimed just one point from home games against Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets. The influence of injured captain Hiroki Sakai has been missed, while attacking lynchpin Guillermo May is struggling for fitness.
Auckland FC will still be favourites and as a group they have much more collective experience of high-pressure scenarios, while Wellington bear the scars of four successive derby losses, with 12 goals conceded and only three scored.
However, Saturday has all the ingredients to be the best match so far, especially if the visitors can avoid conceding in the first half and get a foothold in the match, which hasn’t happened on their two previous Auckland visits.
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.
