Prop Nick White will captain Auckland in its opening Air New Zealand Cup match against Manawatu in Palmerston North on Saturday.
Second five Sam Tuitupou is the official season captain but is away on All Blacks duty.
The Auckland side has named their strongest possible lineup in the absence of their All Blacks, with the likes of Derren Witcombe at hooker, Jerome Kaino at six, Daniel Braid seven and Brad Mika in the number eight jersey.
There are three former All Blacks on the bench in John Afoa, Steve Devine and Ben Atiga.
- NEWSTALK ZB
White to captain Auckland
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