Jono Hickey comes into the starting XV at halfback for the first time this season.
"With three games in 10 days it's a good chance to get Jono out there. It will be a good match-up with Brad Weber for him and to get a good run."
White said he and his team are wary of a Magpies side who are yet to claim a victory this season.
"It's going to be a huge game for us. We've got to make sure we are patient, control the ball when we've got it; it's a good challenge."
On the bench, Pakuranga prop James Lay is set to debut while clubmate Ben Nee Nee will get his first match for 2016. Fullback Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald will play against his 2015 union.
Auckland lost 17-12 to Hawke's Bay last season in a Ranfurly Shield challenge which did not hit the mark.
On paper, the Magpies look a decidedly useful outfit. They have understandably focused on defence this week after Counties Manukau gave them a 48-20 shellacking last Thursday.
Auckland: Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald, Joe Ravouvou, Rieko Ioane, Vince Aso, Pryor Collier, Simon Hickey (c), Jono Hickey, Joe Edwards, Akira Ioane, Liaki Moli, Michael Fatialofa, Scott Scrafton, Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Tom McHugh; Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Isi Tu'ungafasi, James Lay, Ben Nee Nee, Taleni Seu, Leon Fukofuka, Latiume Fosita, Pasqualle Dunn
Hawke's Bay: Ryan Tongia, Robbie Fruean, Jonah Lowe, Tiaan Falcon, Mason Emerson, Ihaia West, Brad Weber, Fa'alemiga Selesele, Tony Lamborn, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Mark Abbott, Geoff Cridge, Ben May, Ash Dixon (c), Ricky Riccitelli; Reserves: Jorian Tangaere, Jason Long, Tolu Fahamokioa, Ross Filipo, Ben Hamelink, Chris Eaton, Billy Ropiha, Matt Garland
Mitre 10 Cup Premiership
Hawke's Bay v Auckland
McLean Park, Napier
Wednesday, 7.35pm