Auckland back up a mid-week win against Manawatu with a trip to Invercargill to face Southland in Round 2 of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC.

The Auckland Rugby High Performance program has continued to provide pathways for young Auckland Rugby talent. 10 players earnt debuts over the two games in Round 1, with 25 players coming from the Auckland Rugby Academy system.

A young Auckland side secured the win against the Turbos on Wednesday night, with several players putting their names forward for a regular spot in the 2022 NPC campaign. Auckland Coach Alama Ieremia was glad to see players take their opportunities.

“We set an expectation for our side on Wednesday night, and as a coaching staff, we are really proud on how the team performed. Those players will get their recovery in this weekend and be able to see their teammates carry on that momentum into Sunday against Southland”.

The Auckland coaching staff have named a relatively unchanged side to the opening round team against North Harbour.

The experienced Alex Hodgman, Leni Apisai and Marcel Renata have been called upon again to lead the Auckland team in Invercargill.

Harry Plummer regains the captaincy from Simon Hickey, who was perfect off the tee in Palmerston North.

Waitemata prop Charlie Abel joins the bench after Wednesday's debut start for Auckland.

Blake Gibson, Adrian Choat and Jackson Pugh form the loose forward trio and will be looking to carry on their defensive efforts from Round 1 after a well-earned rest.

Auckland’s last encounter with Southland was in 2019 at Eden Park, where the Blue and White Hoops claimed 64-7 win over the Southlanders.

The Round 3 fixture kicks off at 2:05pm from Rugby Park Stadium in Invercargill. Auckland will be back at Eden Park next weekend against Bay of Plenty on Sunday, 21 August.

Auckland team v Southland

1. Alex Hodgman (Eden)
2. Leni Apisai (Ponsonby)
3. Marcel Renata (University)
4. Jamie Lane (Ponsonby)
5. Connor Vest (University)
6. Blake Gibson (Ponsonby)
7. Adrian Choat (Waitemata)
8. Jackson Pugh (Marist)
9. Taufa Funaki (Marist)
10. Harry Plummer © (Grammar TEC)
11. Salesi Rayasi (Marist)
12. Corey Evans (Grammar TEC)
13. AJ Lam (Grammar TEC)
14. Tomas Aoake (Ponsonby)
15. Zarn Sullivan (College Rifles)
16. Soane Vikena (Waitemata)
17. Joshua Fusitua (Grammar TEC)
18. Charlie Abel (Waitemata)
19. Hamish Dalzell (College Rifles)
20. Vaiolini Ekuasi (East Tamaki)
21. Manu Paea (Manukau)
22. Simon Hickey (Grammar TEC)
23. Jordan Trainor (Ponsonby)