Keven Mealamu is set to play his first match for Auckland in five years, having been named to start against Bay of Plenty on Saturday.
Hooker Mealamu is joined by fullback Charles Piutau, who has also been released from the All Blacks.
Mealamu's inclusion suggests he might not be involved in next weekend's test against Argentina in Hamilton, with Andrew Hore and Dane Coles likely to get the nod.
"It's fantastic to have Kev and Charlie back in the team,'' said coach Wayne Pivac. "Keven is a special player and I'm very comfortable he'll do the job for us and Charlie played for us all last season so he knows exactly what we're about.''
Pivac has rung the changes after Auckland's come-from-behind 21-18 win over Manawatu last weekend, naming a new front row and including four other changes. Sean Polwart moves to the blindside to replace the injured Joe Edwards, while Luke Braid will start at openside flanker.
