A hamstring injury has ruled All Blacks wing Joe Rokocoko out of Auckland's NPC first division rugby match against Canterbury in Christchurch on Saturday night.
In his absence, Tony Koonwaiyou has been named on the left wing for the Ranfurly Shield challenge in the only change to the Auckland starting 15 who beat Wellington last weekend.
The only other change comes on the reserves bench, with All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino taking his place after recovering from a hamstring injury.
That means Brad Mika has retained his starting place at No 8 after a storming match against Wellington.
The Auckland bench contains three All Blacks in Kaino, hooker Keven Mealamu and utility back Mils Muliaina.
Meanwhile, Canterbury coach Aussie McLean had a juggling act to perform before confirming his side today.
McLean is without four players due to injury for the match.
Those ruled out were Cameron McIntyre (ankle), Tone Kopelani (adductor), Leon MacDonald (knee) and Greg Feek (neck).
As expected, McLean has named All Blacks first five-eighth Daniel Carter for his first NPC match of the season, after he broke a leg in August.
As well, robust loose forward Mose Tuiali'i returns to the starting 15 after serving a one-week suspension, while Corey Flynn, Andrew Ellis and Scott Hamilton also return to the starting side.
* TEAMS:
Auckland
Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou, Tony Koonwaiyou, Tasesa Lavea, Steve Devine, Bradley Mika, Daniel Braid, Justin Collins (captain), Ali Williams, Angus Macdonald, John Afoa, Derren Witcombe, Saimone Taumoepeau.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Nick White, Kurtis Haiu, Jerome Kaino, Taniela Moa, Isa Nacewa, Mils Muliaina.
Canterbury
Ben Blair, Scott Hamilton, Casey Laulala, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw, Reuben Thorne (captain), Kevin O'Neill, Chris Jack, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Greg Somerville.
Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett, Hayden Hopgood, Johnny Leo'o, Jamie Nutbrown, Vilimoni Delasau, Steven Yate
Rokocoko ruled out of Shield match
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
