Rugby: All Blacks duo to start for Auckland

Benson Stanley returns for Auckland on Saturday. Photo / Brett Phibbs

All Blacks Benson Stanley and John Afoa have been brought straight into the Auckland side for Saturday's ITM Cup match against Canterbury in Christchurch.

Stanley will start at centre with Afoa at loosehead prop.

Stanley says it's not easy slipping back into the provincial side after being away with the All Blacks.

He says the main thing is the cross over in the calling and sometimes you relapse into All Black calls that don't apply here.

Stanley admits he would have liked to face Sonny Bill Williams because the whole country is waiting to see what he can do.

Williams will play the curtain raiser in a town v country game.

Corey Flynn returns to the Canterbury side at hooker while former All Black halfback Andy Ellis gets his first start of the campaign.

Another former All Black halfback Brendon Leonard has been dropped to the bench for Waikato's match against Counties Manukau on Saturday.

Auckland team:
Brent Ward, Charles Piutau, Benson Stanley, Jamie Helleur, Dave Thomas, Matt Berquist, Toby Morland, Peter Saili, Daniel Braid, Onosa'i Auva'a, Andrew Van der Heijden, Kurtis Haiu, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, John Afoa.

Reserves: Ash Dixon, Tevita Mailau, Liaki Moli, Chris Lowrey, Brenton Helleur, Ash Moeke, Ben Atiga

Canterbury team:
Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Telusa Veainu, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Nasi Manu, George Whitelock (captain), Matt Todd, Isaac Ross, Luke Romano, Peter Borlase, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Steve Fualau, Andrew Olorenshaw, Rob Verbakel, Ash Parker, Takerei Norton, Stephen Brett, Sam Monaghan



- NEWSTALK ZB