Four days after playing Southland in Invercargill, Auckland coach Nick White has named his side for their Wednesday night clash against Hawke’s Bay in Napier.

The departure of three All Blacks forwards has seen a re-shuffle up front, with only one change in the back line.

Props Tom McHugh and Marcel Renata are in line for their first starts in the blue and white hoops, Michael Fatialofa starts in his blazer match, while Liaki Moli returns to the 23 and will play in the number 6 jersey for the first time for Auckland.

“It’s good for guys like Fats to get a start. Leni was supposed to have time on the bench on Friday and that didn’t turn out, so Liaki starts at six. 

“It’s a great opportunity for Tom and Marcel to start. The work that they have done in the last 12 months is the reason why they have this chance, they need to make the most of it,” said White.

Jono Hickey comes into the starting XV at halfback for the first time this season.

“With three games in ten days it’s a good chance to get Jono out there. It will be a good match up with Brad Weber for him and to get a good run.”

White said he and his team a weary of the Hawke’s Bay side who are yet to claim a victory this season.

“It’s going to be a huge game for us. We’ve got to make sure we are patient, control the ball when we’ve got it; it’s a good challenge.”

On the bench, Pakuranga prop James Lay is set to debut while club mate Ben Nee Nee will get his first match for 2016.

Auckland team to face Hawke’s Bay
1.    Tom McHugh (Grammar TEC)
2.    Kurt Eklund (University)
3.    Marcel Renata (University)
4.    Scott Scrafton (Grammar TEC)
5.    Michael Fatialofa (Ponsonby)
6.    Liaki Moli (Manukau Rovers)
7.    Akira Ioane (Ponsonby)
8.    Joe Edwards (Pakuranga)
9.    Jono Hickey (Grammar TEC)
10.    Simon Hickey (Grammar TEC)
11.    Pryor Collier (Ponsonby)
12.    Vince Aso (Pononsby)
13.    Rieko Ioane (Ponsonby)
14.    Joseva Ravouvou (College Rifles)
15.    Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald (University)

16.    Greg Pleasants-Tate (Ponsonby)
17.    Isi Tu’ungafasi (Grammar TEC)
18.    James Lay (Pakuranga)
19.    Ben Nee Nee (Pakuranga)
20.    Taleni Seu (Grammar TEC)
21.    Leon Fukofuka (Marist)
22.    Latiume Fosita (Papatoetoe)
23.    Pasqualle Dunn (College Rifles)