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Auckland's Daniel Braid - Source: Photosport -
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Auckland rugby coach Mark Anscombe has wielded his selection axe and made seven changes to the starting team for Sunday's ITM Cup rugby match against Taranaki in Auckland.
While there are several injury-enforced changes as well as the loss of John Afoa and Benson Stanley, who will be flying to Sydney with the All Blacks, Anscombe was unimpressed with the 16-35 loss to Canterbury last weekend and has opted to give younger players a chance.
Lock Liaki Moli gets his first start in place of Kurtis Haiu, Bryce Heem has been recalled from his loan spell at Northland to cover Dave Thomas, who was concussed, while Chris Lowrey starts at No. 8.
Flanker Onosa'i Auva'a hyper extended his knee during training this week and aggravated old cartilage damage. The injury could potentially rule the 25-year-old out for the rest of the season.
Peter Saili switches from No. 8 to cover Auva'a at blindside flanker.
Atieli Pakalani returns to the wing with Charles Piutau dropping out of the squad, while centre Ben Atiga and prop Tevita Mailau also return to the starting team in place of Afoa and Stanley.
On the bench, import flanker Adam Kleeberger, who has played 22 internationals for Canada, gets his first crack for Auckland and New Zealand age group prop Angus Ta'avao replaces Pauliasi Manu.
It will be a particularly special Father's Day for Anscombe with his 19-year-old son, Gareth, named on the bench for the first time.
Auckland: Brent Ward, Atieli Pakalani, Ben Atiga, Jamie Helleur, Bryce Heem, Matt Berquist, Toby Morland, Chris Lowrey, Daniel Braid (captain), Peter Saili, Andrew Van der Heijden, Liaki Moli, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau.
Reserves: Ash Dixon, Angus Ta'avao, Kurtis Haiu, Adam Kleeberger, Brenton Helleur, Gareth Anscombe, Winston Stanley
