• Auckland will look to extend their unbeaten start to the season
• Joe Ravouvou comes on to the left wing for Salesi Rayasi
• Ezekiel Lindenmuth in line to make his debut from the bench

There is no respite for Auckland as they look to extend their unbeaten start to the season down in the Garden City. If Tasman were to be the acid test for the blue and white hoops last weekend, then Canterbury represent a whole new challenge entirely.

In recent times, Canterbury have certainly set the benchmark in terms of success in the Mitre 10 Cup, but this Auckland side is riding a wave of form and confidence, buoyed by a comprehensive result against the previously unbeaten Mako last Friday night.

There are only two changes to the starting line-up with Fa’atiga Lemalu coming in for hattrick hero Patrick Tuipulotu who is now in-line to face the Springboks in Wellington on Saturday. Joe Ravouvou, who has impressed for the Colts and Bs in recent weeks, also comes in on the left wing for Salesi Rayasi.

Young prop Ezekiel Lindenmuth also graduates to the Mitre 10 Cup side from the Bs and is in line to make his debut from the bench.

Head Coach Alama Ieremia is well aware of the challenge presented by Canterbury and is requiring a full 23-man effort come Sunday afternoon.

“It’s an exciting week and we’ve really looked to embrace the challenge of going down there to face the champions. It’s been a really good start to the week; we’ve grounded ourselves quickly and made sure we’ve done our homework and preparation.”

Touching-on the effort against Tasman, Ieremia noted how proud he was of the side for sticking to the game plan and making adjustments throughout the match when needed.

“I’m proud of the players for sticking to the game plan and also making adjustments, especially around defence to not give them anything to play and operate with. Canterbury are another step up though, so we have to flush last week and move on to this week.”

Sunday afternoon will be a huge challenge for both sides as the old rivals look to do battle once again in a top-of-the-table clash that promises to excite from start to finish.

Auckland team to play Canterbury: (* denotes new cap)

1. Sam Prattley (Pakuranga)
2. Robbie Abel (College Rifles)
3. Marcel Renata (University)
4. Fa’atiga Lemalu (Papatoetoe)
5. Jack Whetton (Grammar TEC)
6. Evan Olmstead (Suburbs)
7. Blake Gibson – Captain (Ponsonby)
8. Akira Ioane (Ponsonby)
9. Jonathan Ruru (University)
10. Harry Plummer (Grammar TEC)
11. Joe Ravouvou (College Rifles)
12. TJ Faiane (Pakuranga)
13. Tumua Manu (College Rifles)
14. Melani Nanai (Manukau Rovers)
15. Jordan Trainor (Ponsonby)
16. Mike Sosene-Feagai (Mt Wellington)
17. Ezekiel Lindenmuth (Suburbs)*
18. Marco Fepulea’i (Ponsonby)
19. Hoskins Sotutu (Marist)
20. Dalton Papali’i (Pakuranga)
21. Leon Fukofuka (Marist)
22. Jacob Umaga (Eden)
23. Tanielu Tele’a (Marist)

Unavailable due to injury: Michael Fatialofa (knee), Taleni Seu (back - season), Taniela Koroi (arm – season)