Teams named for battle of the bridge

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Auckland has named an experienced starting 15 while North Harbour has four debutants for Sunday's battle of the bridge in Albany

Auckland coach Mark Anscombe has named an experienced starting 15 for Sunday's season opener against North Harbour in Albany.

Auckland welcomes back three old hands for the battle of the bridge. Flanker Daniel Braid, centre Ben Atiga and fullback Brent Ward all return after time away from the province.

Former Chiefs halfback Toby Morland will make his first start for Auckland, while Ash Moeke has been handed the first-five jersey ahead of new-signing Matt Berquist.

Meanwhile, North Harbour has named an inexperienced side featuring four debutants. Centre Brendon Watt, winger Alipate Fatafehi, halfback Grayson Hart and lock Matt Luamanu will all start in a new look Harbour side, which is captained by prop Michael Reid.

The match kicks off on Sunday at 2:35pm.

Auckland:

1. Tevita Mailau, 2. Tom McCartney, 3. Charlie Faumuina, 4. Kurtis Haiu, 5. Andrew Van der Heijden, 6. Onosa'i Auva'a, 7. Daniel Braid, 8. Peter Saili, 9. Toby Morland, 10. Ash Moeke, 11. Chay Raui, 12. Jamie Helleur, 13. Ben Atiga, 14. Atieli Pakalani, 15. Brent Ward, 16. Ash Dixon, 17. Pauliasi Manu, 18. Liaki Moli, 19. Chris Lowrey, 20. Brenton Helleur, 21. Matt Berquist, 22. Dave Thomas.

North Harbour:

1. Michael Reid, 2. James Parsons, 3. Ben Afeaki, 4. Matt Luamanu, 5. Shane Neville, 6. Tom Chamberlain, 7. Scott Uren, 8. Richard Mayhew, 9. Grayson Hart, 10. Michael Harris, 11. Alipate Fatafehi, 12. Luke McAlister, 13. Brendon Watt, 14. Ken Pisi, 15. Jack McPhee, 16. Mike Mayhew, 17. Taione Vea, 18. William Whetton, 19. Malakai Ravulo, 20. Nalu Tuigamala, 21. Ben Botica, 22. Jack Tarrant.