Top sides for Auckland and Queensland in warm up

The Auckland NPC squad is confident as it starts its pre-season tour to Australia with a clash against the Queensland Reds on tonight.

They have also organised a game in Sydney against New South Wales next Wednesday.

The game against the Reds will feature seven All Blacks, three Wallabies and up to a dozen Super 12 players.

Axed All Black winger Doug Howlett has been included on the right wing in the Auckland side for the match at Ballymore.

Coach Pat Lam has benched a number of first choice players including Brent Ward, Ben Atiga Steve Devine, Daniel Braid and Bradley Mika.

Justin Collins will captain the side.

Lam says it is a good chance to start building team spirit, and while it is often difficult at this stage of the season to retain a consistent 26, they have managed it this time round.

Lam said the tour gives them a chance to build momentum and team spirit as well as experiment with combinations, and he is delighted he has 26 full time players available for the tour.

- NEWSTALK ZB