Auckland boosted by Akira Ioane Return

Auckland boosted by Akira Ioane Return

Auckland coach Nick White has named eight replacements come into the starting side from the one that battled Auckland to a 10-8 victory over Northland on Saturday, with the return of No. 8 Akira Ioane.


Among the new faces, first-five Wiseguy Faiane and wing Tumua Manu will make their debuts, while midfielder Malakai Fekitoa has been rested for TJ Faiane, who is set to start outside his brother.

A season-ending shoulder injury Scott Scrafton sees Ben Nee-Nee start at lock, while Kurt Eklund takes the No 2 jersey after Greg Pleasants-Tate was also injured against Northlan

Auckland: Jordan Trainor, Vince Aso, George Moala, TJ Faiane, Tumua Manu, Wiseguy Faiane, Lisati Milo-Harris, Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson (Josh Kaifa), Josh Kaifa (Samuel Slade), Ben Nee-Nee, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Sam Prattley. Reserves: JP Sauni, Emersen Tamura-Paki, Dexter Fa'amoana, Sam Ulufonua, Sione Havili, Jono Hickey, Pryor Collier, Otumaka Mausia.


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