MacDonald's roll puts him into Auckland pack

The momentum of being invited to the All Blacks training camp has continued for Angus MacDonald with his selection as lock for Auckland.

MacDonald missed several provincial practices this week because he was in Nelson with the national squad, but coach Wayne Pivac picked him for Saturday's NPC game with Bay of Plenty.

He was a reserve last week against Southland but has replaced Bryce Williams.

Craig de Goldi returns to the pack in place of All Black Daniel Braid.

Midfield back Sam Tuitupou is also listed to start but he will have to pass a fitness test.

The Bay side is unchanged, and stadium promoter Bob Clarkson has promised the union $10,000 if Bay of Plenty can beat Auckland. The wager has been matched by the union's sponsor, Western Bay Finance.

Bay of Plenty players are paid $500 bonuses for NPC wins.

Bay of Plenty wins over Auckland have been rare - three in 15 NPC matches since 1976.

But Clarkson believes Bay of Plenty have a great chance of beating the defending champions.

"If they get all their players back and Auckland's a bit off colour, I suspect there may be trouble."

Bay of Plenty received a boost at training last night when reserve midfield back Nathan Strongman was passed fit after a calf injury.

Strongman's return dovetails nicely with Dale Rasmussen's departure this week with the World Cup-bound Samoan team.

Auckland: Ben Atiga, Iliesa Tanivula, Tane Tuipulotu, Sam Tuitupou or Benson Stanley, Brent Ward, Orene Aii, David Gibson, Xavier Rush (capt), Craig de Goldi, Justin Collins, Bradley Mika, Angus Macdonald, John Afoa, Derren Witcombe, Nick White. Reserves: Nathan Kemp, Soane Tonga'uiha, Bryce Williams, Sione Lauaki, Craig McGrath, Isa Nacewa, Shannon Paku or Benson Stanley.

Bay of Plenty: Damon Kaui, Anthony Tahana, Allan Bunting, Apoua Stewart, Grant McQuoid, Glen Jackson, Kevin Senio, Clayton McMillan (capt), Nili Latu, Bernie Upton, Mark Sorenson, Wayne Ormond, Ben Castle, Aleki Lutui, Simms Davison. Reserves: Ngarimu Simpkins, Taufa'ao Filise, Paul Tupai, Rodney Voullaire, Kyle O'Brien, Nathan Strongman, Ray MacDonald.

NPC points table