KEY POINTS:
Auckland coach Pat Lam has made three changes to his starting line-up to play Tasman in Saturday's eighth round Air NZ Cup rugby clash at Eden Park (5.30pm).
Troy Flavell, who has been sidelined with a hamstring strain for two weeks, returns on the blindside flank for Jerome Kaino while openside Daniel Braid is rotated to the bench for Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a.
In the only other change from the run on side that beat Northland 33-25 to stay unbeaten alongside competition leaders Canterbury last weekend, loosehead prop Chris Heard starts in place of Nick White.
Lam has included two newcomers on his bench, Ponsonby duo Chris Lowery and Winston Stanley.
Lowery provides lose forward cover while Stanley, the younger brother of centre Benson , is a utility back.
Auckland:
Brent Ward, Isa Nacewa, Benson Stanley, Sam Tuitupou (captain), David Smith, Lachie Munro, Taniela Moa, Brad Mika, Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a, Troy Flavell, Jay Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Tom McCartney, Chris Heard.
Reserves:
Saimone Taumoepeau, Nick White, Chris Lowery, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Grayson Hart, Winston Stanley.
- NZPA
