• Auckland name an unchanged starting XV from the semi-final against Wellington
• Leon Fukofuka and Daniel Kirkpatrick come onto the bench
• Entry is FREE this weekend with no tickets required; ‘The Feelers’ will play pre-match and at halftime; Fans are allowed on the field post-match

The last match of 2018 promises to be one for the ages and an opportunity for the home side to etch their name further into the legacy of provincial rugby in Auckland. The blue and whites come up against the old foe in Canterbury, who as usual, have timed their run perfectly heading into the finals.

Auckland have named an unchanged starting XV from the one that took the field against Wellington in the semi-final with the only changes to the matchday-23 coming in the reserves with Leon Fukofuka and Daniel Kirkpatrick coming in for Desma Liaina and Jacob Umaga respectively.

The red and blacks have won the competition 9 of the past 10 years with Auckland now having a gilt-edged opportunity to end the hegemony and assume the mantle as the best provincial side in the land for at least the next year.

“We’re playing a team that’s had massive experience in finals, so I’ve got no doubt this will be our toughest game. We’ve got to make sure we really prepare because there is no tomorrow, and I know the players have been focussed on that every week so far,” said Head Coach Alama Ieremia.

“For the fans to come and walk in this weekend with no tickets is great, it’s huge. I know the players are really looking forward to it because it’s an opportunity for us to thank our fans and run out to a big crowd that deserves to be rewarded for their support this year and in past years.”

The sides have played a total of 101 times with the honours split straight down the middle at 48 wins apiece and 5 draws.

Auckland team to play Canterbury:

1. Sam Prattley (Pakuranga)
2. Robbie Abel (College Rifles)
3. Marcel Renata (University)
4. Fa’atiga Lemalu (Papatoetoe)
5. Michael Fatialofa (Ponsonby)
6. Evan Olmstead (Suburbs)
7. Adrian Choat (Waitemata)
8. Akira Ioane (Ponsonby)
9. Jonathan Ruru (University)
10. Harry Plummer (Grammar TEC)
11. Salesi Rayasi (Marist)
12. TJ Faiane – Captain (Pakuranga)
13. Tumua Manu (College Rifles)
14. Melani Nanai (Manukau Rovers)
15. Jordan Trainor (Ponsonby)
16. Mike Sosene-Feagai (Mt Wellington)
17. Jarred Adams (Suburbs)
18. Marco Fepulea’i (Ponsonby)
19. Taleni Seu (Grammar TEC)
20. Hoskins Sotutu (Marist)
21. Leon Fukofuka (Marist)
22. Daniel Kirkpatrick (University)
23. Caleb Clarke (Suburbs)

Unavailable due to injury: Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa (wrist), Taniela Koroi (arm – season), Blake Gibson (quad – season), Lyndon Dunshea (shoulder – season), Tanielu Tele’a (knee – season), Jack Whetton (ankle – season)