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.