Lions tour: Pryor, Nock to come off Blues bench

Northland flanker Kara Pryor will come off the bench for the Blues against the British and Irish Lions. Photo/Photosport.nz

Northland will continue to have a mark on the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017 with Kara Pryor and Sam Nock to come off the bench for the Blues.

The Blues take on the British and Irish Lions tomorrow night at Eden Park after grabbing a 34-29 win over the Reds in the latest round of Super Rugby action.

Pryor played an important role in the victory with a typically industrious effort from openside flanker, while Nock showed he can be a starting Super halfback with a strong showing in Apia, Samoa.

They will be the third and fourth Northlanders respectively to face the Lions this year after Matt Matich and Josh Goodhue played in the tour opener for the NZ Provincial Barbarians.

The Blues have the honour of becoming the first New Zealand Super Rugby team to play the Lions.

Blues coach Tana Umaga said the side was looking forward to what is a special occasion.

"Our focus all season has been on Super Rugby - it has had to be. So while the lead-up is short, there's no doubt that this game is going to be a really special day for our players and our club to play against the British and Irish Lions," Umaga said.

"It is something that I experienced as a player and has remained with me.

"There's no doubt it will be a challenging turnaround for us. In the last 30 days we have played four Super games in New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa and now the British and Irish Lions.

"We are fortunate to have some senior players back from injury which will be a help.

"The reality is that it will not take much to motivate for this game. It is a special occasion and I hope the guys do themselves, their families and their club proud."

This could potentially be one of two matches against the Lions for both Pryor and Nock as both are in contention for a New Zealand Maori berth.

Another Northlander in serious contention to play against the Lions this week is Crusaders centre Jack Goodhue.

The twin brother of Josh, Jack has revelled in the starting job for the unbeaten Christchurch-based side.

The match kicks off at 7:35pm and will be shown live on SKY Sport.

Blues: Michael Collins, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, George Moala, Sonny Bill Williams/TJ Faiane, Stephen Perofeta, Augustine Pulu, Steven Luatua, Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane, Scott Scrafton, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Ofa Tu'ungafasi.

Reserves: Hame Faiva, Alex Hodgman, Sione Mafileo, Patrick Tuipulotu, Kara Pryor, Sam Nock, Ihaia West, TJ Faiane/Melani Nanai