Rugby: Stanley back for Auckland

Auckland captain Benson Stanley hasn't played since injuring his hamstring in the opening round of the Super 14. Photo / Getty Images

Auckland captain Benson Stanley will make his long-awaited return to top level rugby this weekend.

Stanley has been named at second five-eighth for Auckland's Air New Zealand Cup match against Canterbury on Saturday night. The midfield back has not played a first class match since rupturing his hamstring in the opening week of the Super 14.

The other change to the Auckland starting 15 is the return of All Black prop John Afoa at tighthead.

There is just one change to Canterbury's starting lineup. Number eight Nasi Manu has been sidelined with a hamstring strain and has been replaced by Mike Coman, who will make his first Air New Zealand Cup appearance.

Auckland
Paul Williams, Dave Thomas, Teddy Stanaway, Benson Stanley (captain), Winston Stanley, Daniel Bowden, Grayson Hart, Peter Saili, Onosa'i Auva'a, Kurtis Haiu, Jay Williams, Andrew Van der Heijden, John Afoa, Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau.

Reserves: Francis Smith, Paea Fa'anunu, Dean Budd, Hamish Paterson, Taniela Moa, Ash Moeke, Atieli Pakalani.

Canterbury
Colin Slade, James Paterson, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Sean Maitland, Dan Carter, Tyson Keats, Mike Coman, George Whitelock (captain), Michael Paterson, James Broadhurst, Sam Whitelock, Peter Borlase, Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Will Catherwood, Andrew Olorenshaw, Luke Romano, Matt Todd, Willi Heinz, Stephen Brett, Adam Whitelock.

- NEWSTALK ZB