Auckland test players rally

By WYNNE GRAY

Auckland have gone for all the All Black firepower they can muster for Saturday's NPC meeting in Hamilton with traditional rivals Waikato.

Mose Tuiali'i has been picked at No 8, Ali Williams will start at lock and father-in-waiting Keven Mealamu has been named on the bench.

Although coach Pat Lam has been quick to select his available test players, he has also drafted in national colts trialist Jamie Helleur at centre for his NPC debut.

"He brings enthusiasm but he has also got very strong communication and we felt, after Shane [Howarth] and Frank [Bunce] watched some of the B games that he deserved his chance," Lam said.

The changes are a continuing process for Lam with the third loose forward combination this weekend, positional shifts for Ben Atiga and Angus Macdonald, returns for halfback David Gibson, after his injury, and loosehead prop Soane Tonga'uiha.

Lam has also decided on five forwards and two backs for the reserves and plans to empty most of his bench on Saturday.

Tuiali'i's performance at No 8 will be closely scrutinised because of his decision to reject an offer to go to Northland on loan and the impending return of another test No 8 and captain Xavier Rush.

After both sides suffered defeats by Bay of Plenty, this third round match has taken on extra significance as the surge for the semis goes up another notch.

Macdonald has been retained as Auckland skipper for the third successive match but has been shunted back to lock where he links up with Williams who has replaced Bryce Williams.

The greatest selection victim is former All Black Bradley Mika who was No 8 and lock in the opening matches and now relegated to the subs bench.

Waikato have lost lock Keith Robinson with knee surgery likely to remove him for the rest of the NPC campaign.

Team: Isa Nacewa, Brent Ward, Jamie Helleur, Ben Atiga, Tony Koonwaiyou, Tasesa Lavea, David Gibson, Mose Tuiali'i, Daniel Braid, Sione Lauaki, Ali Williams, Angus MacDonald (captain), John Afoa, Nathan Kemp, Soane Tonga'uiha. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Nick White, Saimone Taumoepeau, Brad Mika, Jerome Kaino, Orene Ai'i, Tevita Tu'ifua.

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