James Lay (University)
Leni Apisai (Ponsonby)
Marcel Renata (University)
Scott Scrafton (Grammar TEC)
Hamish Dalzell (College Rifles)
Adrian Choat (Waitemata)
Blake Gibson (Ponsonby)
Sione Tuipulotu (Eden)
Jonathan Ruru (University)
Harry Plummer (Grammar TEC)
Salesi Rayasi (Marist)
TJ Faiane (c) (Pakuranga)
Tumua Manu (College Rifles)
AJ Lam (Grammar TEC)
Zarn Sullivan (College Rifles)

Mike Sosene-Feagai (Marist) Soane Vikena (Ponsonby)
Jarred Adams (Suburbs)
Marco Fepulea’i (Ponsonby)
Liam Hallam-Eames (Grammar TEC)
Niko Jones (Waitemata)
Danny Tusitala (Ponsonby)
Simon Hickey (Grammar TEC)
Tanielu Tele’a (Marist)

Auckland will be back at Eden Park for Round 8 of The Mitre Cup with the Stan Thomas Trophy on the line against top of the table, Waikato.

Both teams will be looking to help secure their semi-final spot when they meet on Saturday night.

TJ Faiane and Salesi Rayasi will return from Injury for the Premiership fixture with Tanielu Tele’a moving to the bench.

Eden Loose Forward, Sione Tuipulotu will come into the back of the scrum for Akira Ione who is away with All Black duties. Niko Jones will return to the bench, looking for his third appearance of the season.

The last time the two teams met was in Round 4 of the 2019 season where the fixture ended in 6 minutes of extra time and a 20-20 draw. Head Coach, Alama Ieremia recognises the importance of the game at this point of the season.

“Waikato have been in strong form recently and we are at a point in the season where every win is highly valuable. The team are well aware of the importance of these last few weeks of round-robin, so we need to be on form come Saturday night”.

It will be Club Day at Eden Park on Saturday with each player representing their local Club on the field. Fans are encouraged to come to the game in their Club colours and support their community.

Kick-off is at 7:05pm from Eden Park this Saturday.

Faiane and Rayasi coming back is a big plus, but there are still questions over the loose forward combo.

Thoughts on James Lay being picked over Jarred Adams?

Looks like Vikena is the bench hooker according to Auckland website.

I hope that's true.

@KiwiMurph said in Auckland v Waikato:

Looks like Vikena is the bench hooker according to Auckland website.

I hope that's true.

Thanks. Looks like they changed it

I prefer Vikena on the bench after last week

It could well be argued that Sosene's throwing cost Auckland the Harbour game.

I'm a little surprised at the odds for this game. They may well be right but I assumed it would be a bit closer.

Auckland $1:36
Waikato $2.95

@Hooroo Auckland's game to lose.

Yeah those are weird odds.

@KiwiMurph said in Auckland v Waikato:

Yeah those are weird odds.

LOSS INSURANCE TIME

Seriously, the Waikato folk seem to grow an extra leg when they come up (joke about total toes increasing to 16)... and they top the table. I think it's more a $1.60/$2.30 type favouritism for the home team

Waikato team:

1 Robb Cobb (Hamilton Old Boys)
2 Samisoni Taukei’aho (Fraser Tech)
3 Sefo Kautai (Hamilton Marist)
4 Hamilton Burr (Hautapu)
5 Samipeni Finau (Hamilton Old Boys)
6 Adam Thomson (Morrinsville Sports)
7 Luke Jacobson (Hautapu) - Captain
8 Liam Messam (Raglan)
9 Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys)
10 Fletcher Smith (University)
11 Gideon Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)
12 Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)
13 Quinn Tupaea (Hamilton Old Boys)
14 Liam Coombes-Fabling (Fraser Tech)
15 Beaudein Waaka (Melville)

16 Steven Misa (Hamilton Marist)
17 Ollie Norris (Hautapu)
18 Josh Iosefa-Scott (Melville)
19 James Thompson (Hautapu)
20 Hugo Nankivell (Fraser Tech)
21 Cortez Ratima (Otorohanga)
22 Rivez Reihana (Melville)
23 Louis Rogers (University)

Presumably Mitch Jacobsen still injured. Surprised with Wrampling and Rogers in the mix ahead of Lansdown, Osborne and Te Whare Crosby, but otherwise looks strongest possible lineup. I may head up to Eden Park for this one

@ARHS Yes, shoulder injury I think. No news on Johnstone's health either. There are never any updates when the team is announced.

Wrampling provides some size on the wing as Coombes-Fabling and Waaka aren't big. Osborne would too, but he's been shit.

I thought Luke did OK at 7 against Boshier and co. Auckland have 2 opensides in their trio.

@Bovidae Yes, I was worried about combating the Auckland pair without Mitch - but Luke was very good last week. I have not seen either Osborne or Wrampling impose themselves as much as hoped, but am ok the latter gets the chance - although I prefer Te Whare-Crosby. I am hoping to make it to Eden Park

Hamilton Burr's parents are history fans?

Whetton was interviewed at the ground. Should be back next week

That was classic Jacobson!

@Chris-B Love it.

Not much in it. 14 - 7 to Auckland at half time.

Good to have Rayasi and Faiane back. Two of our better players in the first half.

Waikato fullback and hooker letting down the side big time.