Rugby: Raw Auckland team named

A relatively inexperienced Auckland rugby squad has been named to challenge for this year's national provincial title.

Coach Mark Anscombe said despite their inexperience, he felt the squad had the potential to perform well in the Air New Zealand Cup.

"We've named several guys who have never played for Auckland before and it's no secret that there's not a lot of experience out wide but it's a great opportunity for some guys to step up and I'm confident they will," Anscombe said.

"We're optimistic - we've got some good senior players to balance the new guys to our squad and our challenge is to gel it all together for a successful season."

Kurtis Haiu is the most capped Auckland player on 49 caps, ahead of Taniela Moa, with 47 caps and Jay Williams, with 30 caps.

The captain is to be named later this week.

Auckland's final pre-season game is against North Harbour on Thursday.

Auckland - Tevita Mailau, Pauliasi Manu, Charlie Faumuina, Paea Fa'anunu, Francis Smith, Tom McCartney, Kurtis Haiu, Jay Williams, Andrew Van der Heijden, Dean Budd, Chris Lowrey, Peter Saili, Onosa'i Auva'a, Hamish Paterson, Taniela Moa, Grayson Hart, Ash Moeke, Daniel Bowden, Benson Stanley, Winston Stanley, Jamie Helleur, Teddy Stanaway, Thomas Timani, Dave Thomas, Atieli Pakalani, Paul Williams, Keven Mealamu, Jerome Kaino, John Afoa, Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Ali Williams (injured).

- NZPA