KEY POINTS:
Auckland coach Pat Lam has made several changes to his lineup, including the return of All Blacks lock Ali Williams, for the second round Air NZ Cup rugby match against Bay of Plenty in Mt Maunganui on Friday night.
Former All Blacks Derren Witcombe and Steve Devine have been left out because of injuries.
Hooker Witcombe has been sidelined with a neck problem while halfback Devine was concussed during Auckland's 39-5 win over Counties-Manukau last Saturday.
They are replaced by Lance Poching and Taniela Moa respectively.
Lam has also made four more changes to his starting line-up, the most notable being Williams.
Williams makes his first class return from a fractured jaw suffered in the France test in June and will partner younger brother, Jay, in the second row for the first time at provincial level.
In other changes Ben Atiga takes over at centre for Jamie Helleur, Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a replaces Daniel Braid on the openside flank and Brad Mika starts at No 8.
Jerome Kaino switches from the back of the scrum to the blindside flank so Angus Macdonald drops to the bench where he is bracketed with lock Kurtis Haiu.
Auckland: Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou (captain), David Smith, Isa Nacewa, Taniela Moa, Brad Mika, Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a, Jerome Kaino, Jay Williams, Ali Williams, John Afoa, Lance Poching, Saimone Taumoepeau. Reserves: Nick White, Charlie Faumuina, Angus Macdonald/Kurtis Haiu, Daniel Braid, Grayson Hart, Lachie Munro, Benson Stanley.
- NZPA
