Auckland and Canterbury teams unveiled

Auckland is starting just one of its returning All Blacks for Saturday night's Air New Zealand Cup clash against Canterbury at Jade Stadium.

Doug Howlett takes his place on the right wing, but Keven Mealamu and Ali Williams both play off the bench.

Isaia Toeava is also benched to make way for Ben Atiga at centre.

In fact the Auckland bench has a star look to it, with Joe Rokocoko and David Smith bracketed as the outside back cover.

In the 15, Isa Nacewa switches to the left wing to make way for Doug Howlett. Steve Devine is back starting ahead of Taniela Moa.

The forward pack remains unchanged.

Meanwhile, Canterbury coach Rob Penney has resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes to his starting lineup for their clash with Auckland.

As expected, All Black first five Dan Carter comes into the starting lineup for Cameron McIntyre who drops out of the 22 altogether, Stephen Brett has been named on the bench.

Kieran Read is back at blindside for Michael Patterson, Read was initially named last week but was a late withdrawal with sickness.

TEAMS

Canterbury:

Leon MacDonald, Scott Hamilton, Casey Laulala, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Hayden Hopgood, Kieran Read, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn (captain), Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves:

Tone Kopelani, Ben Franks, Issac Ross, Michael Paterson, Kevin Senio, Stephen Brett, Stephen Yates.

Auckland:

Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou (captain), Isa Nacewa, Tasesa Lavea, Steve Devine, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Andrew Blowers, Kurtis Haiu, Brad Mika, Nick White, Derren Witcombe, Saimone Taumoepeau.

Reserves:

Keven Mealamu, Tevita Mailau, Ali Williams, Onoso'i Tololima-Auva'a, Taniela Moa, Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko/David Smith.

- NEWSTALK ZB