However, that effort was an anomaly this season as Northland have been hugely competitive with everyone they have played.
To help them secure an important victory, coach Richie Harris has made three changes to the starting line-up.
The only change to the pack sees Jack Ram injected into openside flanker, shifting Kara Pryor to number eight, while Matt Matich moves to the bench.
Meanwhile, Peter Breen (Achilles) and Jone Macilai (shoulder) return to the run-on 15 at first-five and left wing respectively.
This pushes Dan Hawkins to second-five after an impressive showing against Tasman to partner Tamati Tua in the midfield.
Jordan Hyland drops back to the bench, while Warren Dunn isn't in the match day 23.
In the Wellington camp, their coach Earl Va'a has made two changes to his starting lineup.
With fullback Peter Umaga-Jensen on Wellington Under 19s duty, Joe Hill comes into the starting 15.
Hill slips into the right wing, moving Jason Woodward to fullback.
The other change sees Asafo Aumua returning from the Under 19s to come in for Leni Apisai, who will sit out after a concussion from a head knock.
Blindside flanker and captain Brad Shields will run out for his 50th match for Northland at just 25 years old.
Va'a said the focus for his side was on improvement and performance, rather than the result and cautioned against writing off the Taniwha.
"The moment we start to worry about the outcome we will lose our focus and in this competition that can be dangerous," he said.
"Northland haven't got the results, but if you look at their six games this season they've been highly competitive in five of them."
"They are a team full of attacking threats and you only need to go back two seasons to see they knocked over a very good Wellington side 35-5 in Whangarei."
Northland will need to be wary of Wellington's attacking threats, particularly the back three of Woodward, Hill and Wes Goosen, as well as blockbusting centre Matt Proctor.
Wellington rank in the top three for defenders beaten and clean breaks, something Northland will need to manage.
Kick off is at 7:35pm tonight (Thursday).
Northland: Guy Wood, Solomon Alaimalo, Tamati Tua, Dan Hawkins, Jone Macilai, Peter Breen, Sam Nock, Kara Pryor, Jack Ram, Tom Robinson, Shane Neville, Josh Goodhue (c), Phil Kite, Ross Wright, Namatahi Waa. Reserves: Nick Werahiko, Howard Sililoto, Matt Talaese, Michael Faleafa, Matt Matich, Malcolm MacLeod, Jordan Hyland, Wisea Lawebuka.
Wellington: Jason Woodward, Joe Hill, Matt Proctor, Shaun Treeby, Wes Goosen, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tomasi Palu, Hoani Matenga, Greg Foe, Brad Shields (c), Sam Lousi, Mark Reddish, Chris Baumann, Asafo Aumua, Reg Goodes. Reserves: Valentine Meachen, Ha'amea Ahio, Finnbarr Kerr-Newell, James Blackwell, Galu Taufale, Sheridan Rangihuna, Pakai Turia, Malo Tuitama.
