Auckland ITM Cup squad

FORMER ALL Blacks halfback Alby Mathewson is one of six new faces in Auckland’s ITM Cup squad.

The 27-man squad will be captained once again by discarded All Blacks flanker Daniel Braid and includes four members on the New Zealand Under 20 team.

Backs Gareth Anscombe, Charlie Piutau and Francis Saili are joined by lock Steven Luatua in the group.

Along with Mathewson, who has switched allegiances from Wellington, the other new faces are wing George Moala, centre Hadleigh Parkes, Saili, first five Piers Francis and lock Josh Townsend.

Auckland, who will compete in the Premiership division of the ITM Cup, opens its campaign against Canterbury at Eden Park on Sunday.

Auckland
Daniel Braid (c), Brent Ward, Joe Rokocoko, Charlie Piutau, George Moala, Winston Stanley, Benson Stanley, Teddy Stanley, Hadleigh Parkes, Francis Saili, Gareth Anscombe, Piers Francis, Alby Mathewson, Toby Morland, Auvasa Faleali'i, Peter Saili, Sean Polwart, Chris Lowrey, Onosa’i Auva'a, Josh Townsend, Steven Luatua, Tevita Mailau, Angus Ta'avao, Charlie Faumuina, Pauliasi Manu, Ash Dixon, Tom McCartney.