• Rieko Ioane returns to play in the blue and white hoops after being released by the All Blacks
• Bay of Plenty have not tasted success at Eden Park since their Ranfurly Shield triumph at the ground in 2004
• The John Drake Boot is also up for grabs with Auckland the current holder – the trophy is in memory of the late Auckland and All Blacks prop who also had significant roots in the Bay of Plenty

Eden Park will be abuzz on Saturday afternoon with Auckland hosting Bay of Plenty in the third round of this years’ Mitre 10 Cup, and King’s College battling Saint Kentigern in the early match at 3pm.

In what will be a fantastic celebration of rugby for the region, Bay of Plenty will arrive as potential atmosphere dampeners as they look to continue their fine, early form in this year’s competition.

While ‘The Bay’ pose a very real threat to a blue and white victory, Auckland are by no means in poor form themselves. An opening round draw with North Harbour saw an opening 40-minutes of positive, flowing rugby in the wet before Thursday’s night comprehensive victory over Northland in Whangarei signalling the Auks are ready to march-on in their campaign.

Also, on the line is the John Drake Boot. Auckland are the current holders of the trophy that pays homage to the late Auckland and All Blacks prop who contributed immensely to rugby in New Zealand and had strong connections with the Bay of Plenty which remain and are continued through his family.

The exciting inclusion of Rieko Ioane in the Auckland side provides an already dynamic backline with further firepower. The performances of both seasoned campaigner Jonathan Ruru at halfback and newcomer D’Angelo Leuila at first-five on Thursday night was a particularly positive note to take from the match.

With incumbent #10 Harry Plummer likely out for a few more weeks, having the likes of Leuila and Daniel Kirkpatrick to call upon to fill the void shows strength in depth for such a pivotal position.

Up front, Jack Whetton and Alex Hodgman will look to lead the way once again. Both players stood-up significantly in Whangarei and with Robbie Abel returning at hooker, Auckland will have the brute force to match the electricity present out wide.

Alama Ieremia is excited about the challenge ahead this weekend against a very good Bay of Plenty side.

“I love their positive rugby and they play a positive style. We’re under no illusions that we’re playing against a team that’s made a statement. We need to be right up there, and we haven’t really found our rhythm yet, so it’s a good challenge for us as well.”

On having someone of Rieko Ioane’s calibre back in the side, Ieremia was also enthused about seeing him out on the park in blue and white.

“We all know what a firing Rieko is like and I’m really looking forward to that. He’s certainly brought a lot of excitement this week. He’s got nothing to prove here, he’s just got to enjoy the team and fit-in nicely.”

Match Day Programme

Auckland team to play Bay of Plenty:

1. Alex Hodgman (Suburbs, 2 caps)
2. Robbie Abel (College Rifles, 11)
3. Marcel Renata (University, 34)
4. Jamie Lane (Ponsonby, 7)
5. Jack Whetton (Grammar TEC, 29)
6. Dalton Papalii (Pakuranga, 14)
7. Blake Gibson – Co-C (Ponsonby, 26)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (Marist, 12)
9. Jonathan Ruru (University, 13)
10. D’Angelo Leuila (Papatoetoe, 2)
11. Rieko Ioane (Ponsonby, 15)
12. TJ Faiane – Co-C (Pakuranga, 30)
13. Tanielu Tele’a (Marist, 6)
14. Caleb Clarke (Suburbs, 12)
15. Salesi Rayasi (Marist, 13)
16. Leni Apisai (Loaned, 2)
17. Jarred Adams (Suburbs, 9)
18. Taniela Koroi (Marist, 2)
19. Peter-Chanel Tagaloa (Marist, 1)
20. Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa (Ponsonby, 5)
21. Danny Tusitala (Ponsonby, 2)
22. Daniel Kirkpatrick (University, 3)
23. Kurt Heatherley (Loaned, 1)

Unavailable due to injury: Harry Plummer (quadricep), Cam Suafoa (arm), Tumua Manu (hamstring), Scott Scrafton (jaw), Jordan Trainor (quadricep)