The All Blacks utility back Isaia Toeava will start at first-five as Auckland defend the Ranfurly Shield against Wellington at Eden Park on Saturday night.
Toeava comes in for Lachie Munro who dislocated a shoulder in the win over Bay of Plenty at Rotorua.
Coach Shane Howarth has bracketed Daniel Braid and Onosa'i Auva'a at openside flanker with Braid still recovering from an ankle injury.
And Watisoni Lotawa replaces the injured winger Joe Rokocoko, while Nick White returns to the front row.
