Five players who could make the difference for Auckland against the Lions tonight.
Joe Rokocoko If Joltin' Joe gets the start, watch for sparks. Twenty-seven tries in 23 tests and he's out of a job. Awful Super 12, back in business for the Junior All Blacks. A big point to provetonight.
Sam Tuitupou Watch for a serious collision at No 12 as Gordon D'Arcy's not scared of banging bodies. An All Black last year, injuries and selectors' choices made for an unsatisfactory Super 12 for Tuitupou. Can be seriously disruptive in the midfield.
Steve Devine In a few days there will be one less halfback at the top of the All Black pecking order, which won't have gone unnoticed by the little Aussie-born No 9. Can restate his case against a competitive opponent tonight.
Daniel Braid Join the dots - Lions, breakdown, openside flankers, New Zealand referees. A recurring theme outside the tests. Watch for the fast, if lightweight Braid to try to emulate Latu, Masoe, Holah and, above all, McCaw in making life uncomfortable at the contact areas for the Lions.
Angus Macdonald Made a good fist of No 8 for New Zealand Maori. Good allrounder. Another strong showing will only help his case for an overseas trip later this year.
