Rugby: Strong Harbour team named to tackle Otago

Rudi Wulf. Photo / Getty Images

Head coach Liam Barry has named a strong team to take on Otago in Thursday's ITM Cup opener in Dunedin.

Harbour will be captained by Blues halfback Chris Smylie, with flanker Brent Wilson named as vice captain.

They will be without first five-eighth Luke McAlister, who has missed the pre-season with an injury niggle.

Other new additions to the 2011 squad include former All Black Rudi Wulf - back from Toulon - former Bay of Plenty flanker and sevens star Solomon King and young Taranaki fullback Codey Rei.

Willie Walker is back with Harbour after 10 years overseas, and sevens flyer David Raikuna has joined from Counties-Manukau.

Barry will also have the services of injured All Blacks Tony Woodcock and Anthony Boric when they are released to play.

Malakai Ravulo (Fiji) and halfback Brenton Helleur (Samoa) will be on Pacific Nations Cup duty so will be available for a few games before the World Cup from round five.

Harbour:
Codey Rei, David Raikuna, Rudi Wulf, Brendon Watt, Nafi Tuitavake, Ben Botica, Chris Smylie, Mat Luamanu, Brent Wilson, Solomon King, James King, Chris Smith, Ben Afeaki, James Parsons, Michael Reid.

Reserves: Michael Mayhew, Taione Vea, James Afoa, Irwin Finau, Scott Uren, Luke Hamilton, Willie Walker, Ken Pisi.

- NZPA