Three changes for Auckland

Auckland coach Wayne Pivac has made three changes for Saturday's Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury at Jade Stadium.

David Gibson returns at halfback for Craig McGrath, Nick White is back at loosehead prop for Soane Tonga'uiha, and Derren Witcombe takes over at hooker from Nathan Kemp.

Auckland: Orene Ai'i, Iliesa Tanivula, Ben Atiga, Tane Tuipulotu or Sam Tuitupou, Brent Ward, Tasesa Lavea, David Gibson, Xavier Rush (capt), Justin Collins, Angus MacDonald, Brad Mika, Bryce Williams, John Afoa, Derren Witcombe, Nick White. Res: Nathan Kemp, Soane Tonga'uiha, Sione Lauaki, Craig de Goldi, Craig McGrath, Tuipulotu or Benson Stanley, Tony Koonwaiyou.



Waikato coach Ian Foster has made only one change in his team to play North Harbour at Albany tomorrow night.

Loosehead prop Michael Collins has replaced the injured David Briggs in the starting line-up that beat Bay of Plenty last week.

Craig West, who has played most of the season with Waikato B, joins the reserve bench, as does first five-eighth David Hill, who has had hip and back injuries.

"It's a pretty obvious formula for us this week. We have to beat Harbour, which is never an easy task, as they have the best defensive record in the competition," Foster said.

Waikato: Todd Miller, Filimoni Bolavucu, Regan King, Keith Lowen, Loki Crichton, Derek Maisey, Rhys Duggan, Steven Bates, Scott Couch, Jono Gibbs (captain), Keith Robinson, Sean Hohneck, Deacon Manu, Scott Linklater, Michael Collins. Res: John Pareanga, Craig West, Dave Duley, Wayne McEntee, Isaac Boss, David Hill, Sosene Anesi.

North Harbour: Tusi Pisi, Rico Gear, Anthony Tuitavake, Andrew Mailei, Rudi Wulf, Nick Evans, Chad Alcock, Ron Cribb or Francis Stowers, Craig Newby, Marty Veale, Greg Rawlinson, Troy Flavell, Tevita Taumoepeau, Joe Ward, Tony Woodcock. Res: Slade McFarland, Peter Bielski, Blair Larsen, Matua Parkinson, Ben Meyer, Hosea Gear, Karl TeNana.

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