Isa Nacewa replaces Tasesa Lavea at first-five for Auckland. Photo / Getty Images
Isa Nacewa's rugby season has gone full circle with the Fijian international returning to Auckland's playmaking role for Saturday night's Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury.
Nacewa started the Air NZ Cup campaign as first five-eighth but since the round four trip to Invercargill his versatility - and a
backline injury crisis - has seen him play on the wing, and most recently fullback against Otago last weekend.
Coach Pat Lam has restored Nacewa to first five-eighth in place of Tasesa Lavea, who made a belated start to the season last week after being hampered by a series of injuries.
Lavea played an hour during the 32-21 defeat of Otago on Eden Park, not enough of an audition to convince Lam to entrust the specialist pivot with the No 10 jersey at AMI Stadium.
New Zealand sevens representative Lachie Munro, who took over from Nacewa, has been included with Lavea in the reserves.
Lam has predictably recalled fullback Brent Ward after he was rested against Otago while David Smith and Benson Stanley have swapped wings in the only other backline change from last week's run-on side.
There is one change in the pack where Daniel Braid returns to the openside flank after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained against Tasman a fortnight ago.
Jerome Kaino moves from the side of the scrum to No 8 a move that sees Brad Mika, another former All Black, relegated to the bench.
Back-up openside Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a was not considered as he continues to recover from a head knock suffered against Tasman.
Unlike Canterbury, Lam has the luxury of selecting practically a first choice line-up with halfback Steve Devine (concussion) and retired hooker Derren Witcombe the only players not likely to feature in an optimum squad of 22.
AUCKLAND
Brent Ward, David Smith, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou (captain), Benson Stanley, Isa Nacewa, Taniela Moa, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Troy Flavell, Jay Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Tom McCartney, Saimone Taumoepeau.
Reserves: Nick White, Chris Heard, Angus Macdonald, Brad Mika, Grayson Hart, Lachie Munro, Tasesa Lavea.
- NZPA
