KEY POINTS:
Discarded All Black Troy Flavell will make his provincial rugby debut for Auckland off the bench against defending Air NZ Cup champions Waikato at Eden Park on Saturday.
The former North Harbour flanker/lock returns from a two-week break following the announcement of New Zealand's World Cup squad to cover the second row and blindside flank.
Auckland coach Pat Lam has made two changes from the run-on side that beat Bay of Plenty 41-3 last weekend with Daniel Braid replacing Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a on the openside flank and Kurtis Haiu returning to lock in place of All Black Ali Williams.
Williams had been released to play following the All Blacks camp in Christchurch earlier this week but picked up a slight hamstring strain and was not risked.
Meanwhile, two casualties from the round one victory over Counties-Manukau remain sidelined.
Hooker Derren Witcombe is having further tests on a neck injury while halfback Steve Devine is still recovering from a head knock.
Lam added midfield back Jamie Helleur, who suffered a shoulder injury against Counties-Manukau, requires a reconstruction and is out for the remainder of the campaign.
Auckland
Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou (captain), David Smith, Isa Nacewa, Taniela Moa, Brad Mika, Daniel Braid, Jerome Kaino, Jay Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Lance Po-Ching, Saimone Taumoepeau.
Reserves: Nick White, Chris Heard, Troy Flavell, Onosa'i Tololima'Auva'a, Grayson Hart, Lachie Munro, Benson Stanley.
- NZPA
