Ben Atiga in action against Otago last year. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Auckland have called up New Zealand sevens player DJ Forbes as cover for injured openside flankers Onosa'i Tololima Auva'a and Daniel Braid.
Auva'a, who suffered a heavy head knock trying to tackle Tasman wing Afeleke Pelenise on Saturday, was definitely out of Friday night's match against Otago, Auckland
coach Pat Lam said.
Braid, who suffered a bruised shoulder in the same match, was rated "very much doubtful".
The 24-year-old Forbes has been a fixture for Auckland B in recent seasons and has captained the New Zealand sevens team when regular skipper Tafai Ioasa has been injured.
Lam was last night weighing up whether to hand Forbes a starting debut or switch another loosie to the openside.
"Jerome Kaino and Angus McDonald have played openside for me before," he said. "I am just trying to get the balance right and I'll name the side [today]."
With the final round Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury on the horizon, Lam can be expected to be cautious with the injured duo, both of whom are expected to make quick recoveries.
"We are very much hopeful that both of them will be 100 per cent for next week," Lam said.
Ben Atiga is likely to return from a hamstring strain, which would lead to a backline reshuffle. There could also be a number of changes in the forwards if Lam continues his rotation policy.
