Auckland coach Wayne Pivac has made just two changes to his side for Saturday's match against Waikato at Eden Park.
Lock Liaki Moli returns from injury to replace Andrew Van der Heijden who is nursing a sore shoulder, while Sean Polwart has overcome an ankle sprain to resume duties at openside flanker in place of Nepia Fox-Matamua.
In the only change to the reserves bench, outside back Dave Thomas comes in for Lolagi Visinia.
Pivac said he was expecting a "huge turnaround in performance" from Waikato following their loss to Northland last week.
"I didn't think they played badly against Northland but certainly they'll be looking to improve in a number of areas," Pivac said. "I think you'll find their forwards will be very hungry, aggressive and very challenging for us.
