ITM Cup: More debutants for Auckland

Akira Iaone (with ball in hand) is back for Auckland. Photo / Getty

There may be two more debuts for a young Auckland side named to face Otago in an ITM Cup crossover clash tomorrow at Eden Park.

Loose forward Sinclair Dominikovich-Murray is a 2012 NZ Schools rep who has impressed for University in club play this year, while his clubmate Marcel Renata, who can cover tighthead prop and hooker, played for the Maori All Blacks in July.

This will be Auckland's third match in nine days.

Charles Piutau and Bryce Heem return to starting positions in the backline, while prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi and No 8 Akira Ioane are set to start up front.

"We've gone with a six-two bench with the workload of our locks and loosies," said Feeney, with Mitch Hunt expected to cover halfback if required.

Otago travel to Auckland with a one win, three loss record, but Feeney said that is deceiving.

"They play a very up tempo game and are dangerous. Otago beat Taranaki and the matches they have lost have been against some of the best teams in the competition. They are a good side."

The match kicks off at 2.35pm, and the Auckland Under 19 A team will play Northland in a curtainraiser from 12.30pm.

Auckland: Lolagi Visinia, Bryce Heem, Charlie Piutau, George Moala, Ben Lam, Simon Hickey (c), Jono Hickey, Akira Ioane, Mitch Karpik, Joe Edwards, Scott Scrafton, Michael Fatialofa, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Sam Prattley

Reserves: Sam Thomas, Tom McHugh, Sinclair Dominikovich-Murray, Ben Neenee, Marcel Renata, Mitch Hunt, Vince Aso, Taleni Seu

ITM Cup crossover
Auckland v Otago
Eden Park, Auckland
Sunday, 2.35pm