Auckland match-day 23 for Counties Manukau, 7.35pm, Saturday August 19:

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15 Jordan Trainor (Ponsonby, 0 Auckland caps) *

14 Vince Aso (Ponsonby, 28)

13 Malakai Fekitoa (Pakuranga, 23)

12 George Moala (Grammar TEC, 45)

11 Caleb Clarke (Suburbs, 0) *

10 Daniel Bowden (Ponsonby, 7)

9 Jono Hickey (Grammar TEC, 22)

8 Akira Ioane (Ponsonby, 21)

7 Blake Gibson (Ponsonby, 12)

6 Samuel Slade (Ponsonby, 0) *

5 Scott Scrafton (Grammar TEC, 22)

4 Patrick Tuipulotu (Ponsonby, 14, c)

3 Marcel Renata (University, 11)

2 Greg Pleasants-Tate (Ponsonby, 16)

1 Sam Prattley (Pakuranga, 34)

Reserves:

16 Kurt Eklund (University, 22)

17 Isi Tu’ungafasi (Suburbs, 12)

18 Dexter Fa’amoana (College Rifles, 0) +

19 Ben Nee-nee (Pakuranga, 5)

20 Jamason Fa’anana-Shultz (Suburbs, 0) +

21 Lisati Milo-Harris (Grammar TEC, 0) +

22 Otumaka Mausia (College Rifles, 0) +

23 TJ Faiane (Pakuranga, 7)

*Debut
+Potential debut

Injured/unavailable: Tom McHugh (season), Dalton Papali’i, Taleni Seu, Michael Fatialofa, Sam Ulufonua, Tumua Manu, Leon Fukofuka, Melani Nanai

Interesting:

Both No 8 Akira Ioane and Tuipulotu return to the ground where they saw minutes for the All Blacks in last Friday’s ‘Game of Three Halves.’

@Tim The only reason Akira and PT were in the AB squad for the game of three halves was because the Crusaders in the ABs were being rested, weren't they?

Strong looking squad!

@Stargazer No.

@Tim Not a strong looking squad?

@Stargazer Akira Ioane has been injury cover for the ABs this season, and there were no Crusaders players missing that he was covering for.

@Stargazer Prop is a worry.

@Tim They didn't name an injury cover list for the RC; that was only for the B&I Lions Series. Akira & PT were also among several players invited to the wider training camp.

For the RC, they've called up individual players when an injury occurred, rather than using an injury cover list (e.g., Havili and Riccitelli), which enables all other players to train with and play for their provincial team. From the injury cover list for the B&I Lions Series, they've only retained Fifita by naming him in the squad. Todd and Goodhue have also returned to their respective NPC teams.

Excited to see how Clarke goes on the wing and the new faces on the bench.

A bit of pressure on Trainor to deliver at this level I think - he's had a year in the Super environment so will be interested to see what he offers.

@KiwiMurph I see another NZ U20s player, Sam Slade, is also in the starting line-up. Always interesting to see how these young lads adjust to playing at this level. 11-14, looks awesome on paper. Can't wait to see them on the field.

@KiwiMurph Trainor was really good against the Reds. Hope he continues that counter attacking form.

@KiwiMurph said in Counties Manukau v Auckland:

Excited to see how Clarke goes on the wing and the new faces on the bench.

A bit of pressure on Trainor to deliver at this level I think - he's had a year in the Super environment so will be interested to see what he offers.

It's a pity though, given the midfield, they might never get the ball unless they're kick returning.

@mimic said in Counties Manukau v Auckland:

@KiwiMurph said in Counties Manukau v Auckland:

Excited to see how Clarke goes on the wing and the new faces on the bench.

A bit of pressure on Trainor to deliver at this level I think - he's had a year in the Super environment so will be interested to see what he offers.

It's a pity though, given the midfield, they might never get the ball unless they're kick returning.

Hopefully they won't use Fekitoa that much and sub him for Faiane. Much better midfield with him in there at 12.

Strong looking team.

@Kirwan Faiane is returning from injury.

TJ Faiane is making his way back from a niggle, so will wear the No 23 jersey in what could be his first Auckland appearance since 2014 after two injury-plagued years.

@Tim said in Counties Manukau v Auckland:

@Kirwan Faiane is returning from injury.

TJ Faiane is making his way back from a niggle, so will wear the No 23 jersey in what could be his first Auckland appearance since 2014 after two injury-plagued years.

Ahh, good. So Fekitoa is likely temporary cover then. I don't want to select someone leaving unless we have to.

@Stargazer Yeah from the little i've seen of Slade he's a lock/6 so fascinating to see how he goes. I also just read that Tuipulotu is captain - hopefully it fires him up - he certainly has a lot to prove.

Very true points being made about the midfield - doesnt seem the right balance.

@Tim yeah i'm hopeful Trainor will at least be better than Elkington-MacDonald from last year - a reasonable hope!

Interesting to see that Josh Kaifa is now listed on the squad page. I wonder if he is injury cover for Seu?

Salesi Rayasi is a big boy for a wing:

Height: 1.97m
Weight: 115kg

@KiwiMurph At only 1.94m, Slade had better be a good loose forward.

Counties Manukau: Luteru Laulala, NIgel Ah Wong, Sam Furniss, Stephen Donald, Tim Nanai-Williams, Baden Kerr, Augustine Pulu (c), Sam Henwood, Fotu Lokotui, Ronald Raamakers, Matiaha Martin, Viliame Rarasea, Kalolo Tuiloma, Gafatasi Su'a, Pauliasi Manu.
Reserves: Joe Royal, Sean Bagshaw, Coree Te Whata-Colley, Daymon Leasuasu,, Viliami Taulani, Jonathan Taumateine, Orbyn Leger, Kalione Hala.

The NZ TAB has Counties as favourites:

1 Counties 1.60
2 Auckland 2.35
3 Draw 21.00