ago, you can bet Auckland is in line for the award this week. The blue-and-whites can play a lot better than they have in recent matches and we think they may start to show that on Eden Park. Despite Taranaki's good form and record at the ground, we're going for Auckland by five points in this one.
TEAMS:
Auckland: 1. Tevita Mailau, 2. Tom McCartney, 3. Charlie Faumuina, 4. Liaki Moli, 5. Andrew van der Heijden, 6. Peter Saili, 7. Daniel Braid (captain), 8. Chris Lowery, 9. Toby Morland, 10. Matt Berquist, 11. Bryce Heem, 12. Jamie Helleur, 13. Ben Atiga, 14. Atieli Pakalani Charles Piutau, 15. Brent Ward.
Reserves: 16. Ash Dixon, 17. Angus Ta'avao, 18. Kurtis Haiu, 19. Adam Kleeberger, 20. Brenton Helleur, 21. Gareth Anscombe, 22. Winston Stanley.
Taranaki: 1. Shane Cleaver, 2. Timo Tutavaha, 3. Michael Bent, 4. James Broadhurst, 5. Craig Clarke (captain), 6. Jarrad Hoeata, 7. Chris Walker, 8. Ben Souness, 9. Tyson Keats, 10. Willie Ripia, 11. David Smith, 12. Jayden Hayward, 13. George Pisi, 14. Andre Taylor, 15. Kurt Baker.
Reserves: 16. Mahonri Schwalger, 17. Carl Carmichael, 18. Kane Barrett, 19. Samuela Vunisa, 20. Brett Goodin, 21. Beauden Barrett, 22. Isaia Tuifua.
REFEREE: Bryce Lawrence