Rugby: Auckland change backline

By Wynne Gray

Auckland have changed their halves again in looking for the recipe to counter Canterbury in Friday's NPC shootout in Christchurch.

Coach Wayne Pivac has gone back to Ofisa Tonu'u as his halfback and plumped for Aidan Vince as his first five-eighth to replace Carlos Spencer who goes into the All Blacks World Cup camp tomorrow.

Tonu'u and Steve Devine have been battling for the halfback job all season, with Pivac observing neither had started games well but both had made great impact off the bench.

Instead of NZ Colt Orene Ai'i, who has appeared amongst the reserves, Vince was pulled from the development squad to start Friday's top-of-the-table clash.

"There may be a fair bit of kicking in this game and early on it is likely to be fairly structured. Vince fits the bill for the big occasion," said Pivac.

There are several other changes to the side which last beat Southland. Bustling hooker Keven Mealamu is still a bit battered and Paul Mitchell will start the game as much for his big-match experience and scrummaging technique.

On the wing Doug Howlett has recovered from his shin splints and takes over from Iliesa Tanivula. Lock Leo Lafaiali'i is back from injury and while his partner Charles Riechelmann has not trained since damaging his ribs last week he is expected to be fit for the match.

Auckland: Adrian Cashmore, Doug Howlett, Eroni Clarke, Caleb Ralph, Craig Innes, Aidan Vince, Ofisa Tonu'u, Xavier Rush, Mark Carter, Charles Riechelmann, Leo Lafaiali'i, Michael Jones, Scott Palmer, Paul Mitchell, Paul Thomson. Reserves: Iliesa Tanivula, Orene Ai'i, Steve Devine, Finau Maka, Dean Bassett, Kalau Fukafuko, Keven Mealamu.