Muliaina finally gets start for Auckland

All Black Mils Muliaina will get his first start in an NPC rugby match this season when he runs on for Auckland in their home first division semifinal against North Harbour on Saturday night.

The inclusion of Muliaina, who is headed for Waikato next year, in place of Ben Atiga is one of four changes from the side beaten by Canterbury in the Ranfurly Shield challenge last weekend.

The others to come in are Isa Nacewa at second five-eighth, Jerome Kaino at No 8 and Keven Mealamu at hooker.

Nacewa replaces Sam Tuitupou, who is recovering from a knock to a shin and is bracketed on the bench with wing Joe Rokocoko, who is returning from a hamstring problem.

Kaino is preferred to Brad Mika, while Mealamu takes over from All Blacks teammate Derren Witcombe, who is out for at least six months with a neck injury.

Auckland team:

Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina, Isa Nacewa, Tony Koonwaiyou, Tasesa Lavea, Steve Devine, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Justin Collins (captain), Ali Williams, Angus Macdonald, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Saimone Taumoepeau.

Reserves: John Fonokolafi, Nick White, Kurtis Haiu, Brad Mika, Taniela Moa, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou/Joe Rokocoko.

- NZPA