All Blacks trio back for Auckland

Pat Lam

Auckland coach Pat Lam has had no hesitation in bringing back his available All Blacks to the starting 15 for the Air New Zealand Cup Top Six rugby match against Otago at Eden Park on Saturday night.

Wing Joe Rokocoko, centre Isaia Toeava and fellow midfielder Sam Tuitupou will all run on for the competition leaders at Eden Park.

First five-eighth Tasesa Lavea, chosen yesterday by Lam for the Pacific Islands team' Northern Hemisphere tour in November, returns to the side after missing last weekend's 22-22 draw with Waikato due to a leg injury.

Tuitupou reclaims the captaincy from halfback Steve Devine, who will start off the bench after a particularly physical pounding against Waikato.

First five-eighth Isa Nacewa is still recovering from a leg injury while the decision to select Toeava in midfield was made easier by the fact Ben Atiga has a swollen knee, although he has been bracketed on the bench with Jamie Helleur.

In the pack, No 8 Jerome Kaino and flanker Andrew Blowers have swapped positions from the Waikato game and tighthead prop Nick White replaces former All Black John Afoa, who is destined to miss the rest of the season after suffering a bulging disc in his back last Saturday.

All Blacks Doug Howlett, Ali Williams and Keven Mealamu are available next week for the defending national provincial champions' final Top Six match against Canterbury in Christchurch.

Auckland:

Brent Ward, Joe Rokocoko, Isaia Toeava, Sam Tuitupou (captain), David Smith, Tasesa Lavea, Taniela Moa, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Andrew Blowers, Kurtis Haiu, Brad Mika, Nick White, Derren Witcombe, Saimone Taumoepeau.

Reserves:

Chris Heard, Tevita Mailau, Jay Williams, Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a, Steve Devine, Lachie Munro, Ben Atiga/Jamie Helleur.

- NZPA