Rugby: Hickey, Piutau to return for Auckland

Simon Hickey has missed the past month with a knee injury. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Auckland welcome back captain Simon Hickey and All Black Charlie Piutau for tomorrow's home clash with defending ITM Cup Premiership champions Taranaki.

Hickey has missed the past month with a knee injury while Piutau is back from All Black duty and no doubt thirsting for game time in his 25th match for the province.

Prop Charlie Faumuina will not play after being knocked out in a training accident on Tuesday, so he will have just one shot - next Saturday against Canterbury - at making a late run for an RWC berth.

Coach Paul Feeney has made six changes, some due to injury but some to give opportunities to others, namely in the second row, after the 23-all draw with Southland to open their campaign.

"We want to give them all game time and the opportunity to prove themselves. There is no one that stands out, so they will all get the chance to put their hands up," said Feeney.

Auckland will need to up the ante against Taranaki, after patches of promise against the Stags. They are also protecting a four-year unbeaten run on Eden Park

"It's about our group getting better and learning. Our main focus will be decision-making and execution. The basic things, really, if we can improve in those areas we'll be happy," said Feeney.

Of interest is the elevation of openside flanker Mitch Karpik for his debut after a long injury layoff following his standout displays for the New Zealand Under-20s. He is strong over the ball, while his University clubmate Matt Matich, one of the consistently prominent performers in Auckland club rugby, could debut off the bench. Both are John Drake Memorial scholars at the club.

Lock Liaki Moli returns from an Auckland B appearance last week, while the much-anticipated Auckland debut of Rieko Ioane, who wears No23, is nigh. Prop Tom McHugh is also set to debut.

Taranaki will be anxious to right the shop after falling 19-14 at home to Wellington last weekend. In 2014 they twice beat Auckland in the space of three weeks in New Plymouth, including the extra time semifinal.

Jordan Taufua will start in the unfamiliar role of No7 for Counties Manukau, who play Canterbury in Christchurch in the 4.35pm Premiership game tomorrow. His inclusion is one of three changes made by coach Tana Umaga. Sikeli Nabou comes into lock and Dan Hyatt to No8.

Auckland v Taranaki

Eden Park, 2.35pm tomorrow

Auckland: Lolagi Visinia, Ben Lam, Vince Aso, George Moala, Charlie Piutau, Simon Hickey (c), Jono Hickey, Akira Ioane, Mitch Karpik, Joe Edwards, Liaki Moli, William Lloyd, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Sam Prattley. Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Tom McHugh, Jono Owen, Michael Fatialofa, Matt Matich, Kaito Shigeno, Mitch Hunt, Rieko Ioane.