Rokocoko recalled for NPC final, Otago unchanged

Joe Rokocoko. Picture / Brett Phibbs

Auckland today made one change to their starting 15 for the NPC final against Otago on Saturday, recalling All Blacks wing Joe Rokocoko.

Rokocoko began last weekend's semifinal against North Harbour at Eden Park on the bench, in his return from a hamstring injury.

He was called into action early after starting winger Tony Koonwaiyou took a blow to the face.

Rokocoko went on to score one of Auckland's five first-half tries as they opened out a 33-7 lead by the interval on the way to a 38-24 victory.

Coach Pat Lam said putting Koonwaiyou on an expanded eight-man bench for the final was "a tough call" on the player.

But he also said Rokocoko's performance last Saturday was his best in Auckland colours.

Lam expected to finalise his bench on Saturday.

As expected, Otago will field an unchanged side for the final.

Coach Wayne Graham has once again stuck with his winning lineup, the fourth week in the row he has had the luxury of naming the same side.

The team had a run on Carisbrook this morning in light rain, but Nick Evans, Tom Donnelly and Seilala Mapusua did not take a full part.

Graham said this was just a precaution due to muscle tightness and they will all be fine for Saturday.

The Otago team flies to Auckland tomorrow.

Around 18,000 tickets have been pre-sold for the final, with a crowd of close to 30,000 expected.

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

Reserves (one to be omitted):
John Fonokolafi, Nick White, Kurtis Haiu, Brad Mika, Taniela Moa, Sam Tuitupou, Ben Atiga, Tony Koonwaiyou.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB