Sky Sport rugby commentator Tony Johnson believes North Harbour boasts the best back three in the NPC.
The club is home to several of Super Rugby’s most impressive players, with Shaun Stevenson, Mark Telea and recently returned veteran Tevita Li all lacing up in their backline.
While none have yet cracked into the All Blacks, Johnson believes the trio may comprise the deadliest combination in the domestic competition.
“I think North Harbour has come through and been a shining light in this competition,” Johnson told SENZ Mornings.
“To me, they’ve got the best back three in the business at NPC level.
“You’ve got Shaun Stevenson, who at this level is almost uncontrollable; you’ve got Tevita Li (and) Mark Telea – two excellent wingers.
“Li’s just come back and (is) shooting the lights out since coming back from overseas. He’s obviously loving being back playing in the NPC.
“So that makes them a really dangerous team.”
Despite Stevenson’s dominance in the NPC, the playmaker has recently been linked with a code switch to the NRL.
Reports suggest Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins are interested in the winger, although a call-up to the All Blacks XV in November may quash their hopes of a marquee signing.
In the meantime, Stevenson’s Harbour will take on Auckland this weekend in the quarter-finals.
While the two backlines don’t compare, Johnson expects All Blacks reinforcements to heighten the rivalry between the two.
Patrick Tuipulotu, Akira Ioane and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck have all been released to represent Auckland and will hope to shut down Harbour’s “dangerous” attack.
“They’ve looked to bolster up their forward pack,” Johnson added.
“They’ll need to too because I think Harbour are a very dangerous team and Auckland has been inconsistent.”
The two sides will face off on Friday night in a ‘Battle of the Bridge’ at North Harbour Stadium, kicking off at 7:05pm NZST.