Teams announced for Auckland-Wellington clash

Auckland coach Pat Lam has rung the changes in the forwards for Saturday's Air New Zealand Cup match against Wellington in the capital.

There are five changes in the pack including a new look front row.

Saimone Taumoepeau and Nick White are the props in place of Chris Heard and John Afoa, while Lance Poching takes over at hooker from Derren Witcombe.

Joe Tekori returns to lock with Kurtis Haiu relegated to the bench, and Onosai'i Tololima Auva'a gets a start ahead of Daniel Braid on the openside flank.

Andrew Blowers captains the side from number eight.

In the backs, Tasesa Lavea replaces Isa Nacewa at first five, Taniela Moa gets the nod at halfback ahead of Steve Devine and wings James Somerset and David White swap jerseys.

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Meanwhile, Auckland will have to beware ... blockbusting All Black Ma'a Nonu is back in the Wellington midfield for Saturday night's match.

Nonu is returning from a broken thumb, replacing Tane Tu'ipulotu at second five, part of a complete inside back turnover.

Jason Spice is at halfback for Nigel Hunt and Tamati Ellison replaces Jimmy Gopperth at number ten.

In the pack, Mahonri Schwalger is at hooker for Luke Mahoney, Jeremy Thrush comes in at lock for Ross Kennedy and Ben Herring replaces Serge Lilo at openside flanker.

Assistant coach Chris Boyd is after lineout improvements after a wayward effort against North Harbour. Boyd says the areas that were poor are probably as a result of the lineout falling away dramatically.

Hosea Gear and Corey Jane are bracketed on the left wing.

TEAMS

Auckland:

Saimone Taumoepeau, Lance Poching, Nick White, Brad Mika, Joe Tekori, Jerome Kaino, Onosai'i Tololima Auva'a, Andrew Blowers, Taniela Moa, Tasesa Lavea, David Smith, Jamie Helleur, Ben Atiga, James Somerset and Brent Ward.

Reserves:

Derren Witcombe, John Afoa, Chris Heard, Kurtis Haiu, Daniel Braid, Steve Devine, Isa Nacewa.

Wellington:

Joe McDonnell, Mahonri Schwalger, John Schwalger, Ross Filipo, Jeremy Thrush, Luke Andrews, Ben Herring, Thomas Waldrom, Jason Spice, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear/Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Lome Fa'atau and Shannon Paku.

Reserves:

Luke Mahoney, Kuramate Tuirirangi, Victor Vito, Serge Lilo, Nigel Hunt, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Jimmy Gopperth.