Auckland play to Henry's rules

Doug Howlett

Four of Auckland's five available All Black squad members will start tomorrow's championship match against Taranaki.

And coach Pat Lam says he was happy to meet requests from the national coach on their roles.

Wings Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko will line up outside captain Sam Tuitupou and Isaia Toeava for a game in New Plymouth which should test Auckland's mettle as they chase a third straight Air New Zealand Cup win to retain the top spot in pool A.

Howlett scored two tries in the big win over Tasman at Eden Park last Sunday, but Rokocoko was a late withdrawal with a leg niggle.

Toeava played second five-eighth that day, but moves out a spot at the request of All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

"And we're happy to oblige," Lam said of Henry's call.

"Twelve and 13 is where the national selectors are looking at Isaia as well."

Tuitupou strained a hamstring in the All Blacks' win over South Africa in Wellington on July 22 and has not played since.

He remains in the 30-man squad for next week's Tri-Nations test against the Wallabies at Eden Park, and for the two-test trip to South Africa.

The fifth All Black, lock Ali Williams, will start from the bench - again at Henry's request - but is certain to see some game time.

"They're all gone next week so while we've got them it's a chance to use them," Lam said.

* North Harbour welcome back experienced Rua Tipoki after his 16-week ban for their trip to Bay of Plenty tomorrow.

It's Tipoki's old stamping ground and he'll be in a quality backline triumvirate with Luke McAlister - in one spot from last weekend at first five-eighth in place of Tusi Pisi - and centre Anthony Tuitavake.

Chris White takes over from unavailable All Black loosehead prop Tony Woodcock, and halfback Junior Poluleuligaga returns after missing last week's win over Taranaki.

The Bay's impressive forward pack remains intact from last week's last-moment loss to Wellington.

The two backline changes put Hayden Reid on the wing for David Johnston and centre Wayne Hughson in for the injured Jeff Ierome.

* Justin Collins is likely to start from the bench in his comeback to top rugby when he plays for Northland against Otago on Sunday.

Collins has been sidelined since rupturing an achilles tendon playing for the Blues against the Highlanders last February, also at Carisbrook.

David Holwell is tipped to return to lead Northland if a rib injury is given the all clear.

* Hawkes Bay captain Mutu Ngarimu has been dumped for their game against Counties Manukau in Napier on Sunday.

The 32-year-old No 8 has been replaced by Peniasi Tokakece.

"Peni has performed well as a sub. We've got real depth in this position and Mutu has been fully informed on what he needs to work on," coach Brendon Ratcliffe said yesterday.

Lock Lua Lokotui will captain the side, as they seek their first points, let alone win, of the cup.

Counties have made two front row changes - hooker John Fonokalafi replacing Grant Henson and Simon Lemalu starting at tighthead in place of Poaloi Taula.