Rival clubs to meet again: Liam Gillion of Auckland and Tim Payne of the Phoenix competing for the ball during the A-League - Wellington Phoenix v Auckland FC game at Sky Stadium, Wellington on 2 November. Photo: Masanori Udagawa/Photosport
Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix
Kick-off: 5pm Saturday 7 December
Go Media Mt Smart Stadium
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
The verbal warfare is intensifying.
The newest sporting rivalry in Aotearoa writes its second chapter this weekend, when the Wellington Phoenix come north in an attempt to conquer the current A-League kings.
With Auckland FC warning the Phoenix they will face a barrage of banter from fans at Mount Smart, Wellington are embracing the chance to spoil the party of the new kids on the block.
Across their first five appearances, Auckland are sitting unbeaten at the top of the table without a goal conceded.
Phoenix defender Corban Piper said they are looking to spoil the party, and end the dream start.
"I can speak on behalf of all the boys. We're pretty keen to smash them and get rid of that winning streak."
Revenge is driving the men from the capital, with Auckland having taken the honours in their opening encounter at the Caketin last month.
"I really want to get them back, because that will make the final derby really interesting, and I want to give all the Phoenix supporters bit of ammo on social media," Piper said.
Midfielder Kazuki Nagasawa concurred.
"We are really [excited] about this game, and looking forward to the chance of revenge."
For Piper, the rivalry is a bit closer to home, with him believing his next move would be north to the new franchise.
"Initially it was Auckland FC for me. I didn't really think about Wellington Phoenix, because I thought that they were pretty Academy focused. So, I was looking at Auckland FC, but there just wasn't room in Auckland FC for me as a 10 and thankfully, Wellington Phoenix looked outside the academy and slotted me in."
Nagasawa said the first encounter was a special experience.
"But the result was not good for us. I want to get them back, we have to this time."
