Perhaps this should best be titled ‘review’ as the Americas interest is virtually complete with the weekend still ahead. Only three players are named in squads this week, with two of them suiting up for Auckland earlier today.
Evan Olmstead got his first start for Auckland against Tasman, wearing the No6 jersey and playing 65 minutes of the dominant 36-10 win. Reserve hooker Mike Sosene-Feagai came on during the last few minutes of the game for his fourth appearance of the season and third straight as a replacement.
There is no Tony Lamborn for Southland this week but Nico Costa remains as backup scrumhalf against Counties Manukau. Tyler Ardron is not in the Bay of Plenty lineup this week as he is currently listed as being ‘on leave’.