Star-studded Auckland will test resolve of midweek Lions

THE midweek Lions face their toughest assignment when they take on NPC hotshots Auckland in their final game at Eden Park tomorrow morning (8.10).

Auckland coach and former Northampton star Pat Lam had the luxury of naming three Junior All Blacks in his starting line-up, including wing wizard Joe Rokocoko, deemed surplus to requirements for the Test series but more than capable of undoing coach Ian McGeechan’s unbeaten record with the midweek side.

Last Tuesday, the Lions went to Palmerston North to get their tour back on track following a demoralising Test defeat in Christchurch and racked up a century of points against Manawatu. No-one is expecting a repeat scoreline against Auckland, although McGeechan is highly aware the beneficial effects a good performance can have on the Test squad.