KEY POINTS:
Auckland, who are battling a stomach bug going through their squad, today made two changes to their starting 15 to face Taranaki in an Air NZ Cup rugby quarterfinal at Eden Park on Saturday.
Troy Flavell, who played as blindside flanker in the Ranfurly Shield win over Canterbury, will begin on the bench, with Angus Macdonald taking the No 6 jersey.
Lam has also rotated his loosehead props, with Chris Heard starting and Saimone Taumoepeau among the reserves.
He said the reason for the changes was knocks picked up in the match against Canterbury and the expected nature of the contest against Taranaki at Eden Park.
"We know it's going to be a physical battle," he said.
"To have guys like Angus Macdonald and Chris Heard - who are chomping at the bit - able to get into the team now is a great bonus."
Lam also said the build-up to the clash with Taranaki had been "a bit of a shocker" with disruption to training caused by a virus going through the squad.
However, medical opinion was that the players would all be fine by game time.
AUCKLAND
Brent Ward, David Smith, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou (captain), Benson Stanley, Isa Nacewa, Taniela Moa, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Angus Macdonald, Jay Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Tom McCartney, Chris Heard.
Reserves: Saimone Taumoepeau, Nick White, Troy Flavell, Brad Mika, Onosai Tololima-Auva'a/Chris Mahony, Grayson Hart, Lachie Munro.
- NZPA
