The All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu returns to the Auckland starting line-up to face North Harbour in their ITM Cup clash at Eden Park on Saturday.
Patrick Tuipulotu Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Tuipulotu, who got his first taste of the Rugby Championship with five minutes off the bench against the Sprinboks at the weekend, missed out on making the squad for the last two matches in Argentina and South Africa.
He now returns to the Auckland side after a knee injury as a part of a number of changes, with centre Hadleigh Parkes and No.8 Peter Saili returning from injury, while second five TJ Faiane is promoted for his first start.
Coach Paul Feeney has also moved Gareth Anscombe to first five with Simon Hickey on the bench.
Auckland:
1. Sam Prattley (Pakuranga)
2. Tom McCartney (Pakuranga)
3. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (Grammar TEC)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (Ponsonby)
5. Liaki Moli (Manukau Rovers)
6. Blake Gibson (Ponsonby)
7. Sean Polwart (University)
8. Peter Saili (Marist)
9. Junior Poluleuligaga (Papatoetoe)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Ponsonby)
11. George Moala (Grammar TEC)
12. TJ Faiane (Pakuranga)
13. Hadleigh Parkes (Grammar TEC)
14. Ben Lam (Grammar TEC)
15. Lolagi Visinia (Suburbs)
16. Gafatasi Su'a (Ponsonby)
17. Nick Barrett
18. Jack Whetton (Grammar TEC)
19. Joe Edwards (Pakuranga)
20. Leon Fukofuka (Marist)
21. Melani Nanai (Manukau Rovers)
22. Simon Hickey (Grammar TEC)
