Lam keeps winning line-up for Auckland

Left on the bench: Steve Devine. Picture / Bradley Ambrose

There was no selection let-up from Auckland for their next assignment against Taranaki, with top halfback Steve Devine left on the bench.

The unbeaten NPC leaders will take the same starting XV - except for injured No 8 Jerome Kaino who is replaced by Angus Macdonald - into tomorrow's match at New Plymouth.

Coach Pat Lam wanted to reward the side who repelled Waikato 40-30 last week and thought that was the best way to maintain his side's competition momentum.

"I thought that was probably our best performance all-round so far.

"The guys who played that game played very well and so we wanted to keep the same team out there."

Devine was the premier halfback in the squad, but he was still getting back to full fitness after concussion then illness, and the best plan was to inject him into the match from the bench.

In his absence, Taniela Moa had performed consistently in partnership with backline director Tasesa Lavea.

Loosehead prop Nick White, who retired last week after 35 minutes with back trouble, had recovered and kept another former All Black, Saimone Taumoepeau, in the reserves.

Meanwhile, Kaino would be missing for several games after damaging a hamstring during the victory against Waikato.

Lam said Taranaki might not have the best results in the NPC this year, but they always had a physical pack and would be smarting even more after their most recent loss to Southland.

Auckland completed their final training without any mishaps, with the team also organised enough to cast their election votes yesterday instead of going through the time-consuming special vote process in New Plymouth.

While pundits are uncertain about the election result, Auckland are favoured to make it six victories from six outings tomorrow in their best start to the NPC since 1991.

Taranaki last beat Auckland at home, an exciting 19-17 victory in 1997, but will feel their luck must return in the NPC after three late home defeats this season.

Blindside flanker John Willis is the only player in doubt after damaging ligaments in his foot last week against Southland, when Taranaki went down 33-28.