No room for key All Blacks in Auckland team

There is no room for leading All Blacks Mils Muliaina and Keven Mealamu in Auckland's starting lineup to face Wellington in the NPC first division rugby match on Friday night.

Coach Pat Lam had all his national representatives available to him for the crucial match at Eden Park apart from injured flanker Jerome Kaino.

While he has injected lock Ali Williams and winger Joe Rokocoko straight back into the starting 15, fullback Muliaina and hooker Mealamu will be on the reserve bench.

Mealamu's backup at All Blacks level, Derren Wicombe, holds onto the hooker's jersey while Muliaina possibly misses out to the goalkicking accuracy of Brent Ward . There is no room for Muliaina or the in-form Isa Nacewa at centre either, with Ben Atiga preferred there.

Williams will lock alongside Angus MacDonald, with Brad Mika remaining at No 8.

- NZPA