It’s time for New Zealand’s second ever A-League Derby, the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC clashing once more. 

Auckland defender Nando Pijnaker told Piney that they didn’t quite expect their season to start off this successfully – although they’re not too surprised.  

He says they don’t try to look too much into their opposition and the strengths of their players. 

“We know they have dangerous players ... they’ve been around for a long time, so we know what their strengths are, so we’re obviously trying to minimise them as much as possible and then focus on ourselves.” 

Kosta Barbarouses has high hopes his form will stay as hot as the summer weather when the Phoenix face Auckland FC this evening.  

The 'Nix striker has found the back of the net in his last two outings and has scored 17 goals in the month of December throughout his career. 

Barbarouses admits he does try to outwork and tire his opposition more when summer arrives. 

He told Piney that even if he’s knackered, he pushes through, because perseverance is what gets the win.  

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