Mitre 10 Cup: Northland on the rise, but face stern test against Canterbury

Josh Goodhue disrupting the Auckland lineout. More of this will be needed when they face Canterbury at Toll Stadium.

With three losses in a row and an upcoming match against the defending champions, Northland are definitely on the back foot in the Mitre 10 Cup.

While Northland have shown increasingly positive signs this year, playing with more freedom and precision than in 2015, they'll be up against it at Toll Stadium when they face Canterbury.

The Taniwha will be looking to break a 17-year drought against the red-and-blacks - their last win came in 1999.

Canterbury are welcoming back All Black squad members Codie Taylor, Luke Romano and Ryan Crotty into the fold to add to an impressive side.

However not all hope is lost for Northland. Rather, a boilover is on the cards.

Despite being winless this season, Northland has shown flashes that could be a sign of things to come.

Even with the losses of Dan Pryor and Michael Faleafa, they boast one of the premier loose forward groups in the competition.

With Blues rep Kara Pryor, Tongan international Jack Ram and the strong Matt Matich at the base, as well as the hard-hitting Aorangi Stokes coming off the bench, it is certainly their strongest area.

In the backline, Solomon Alaimalo could be the find of the season.

The young fullback has been impressing players and fans alike with his speed, positioning and his ability to keep the ball alive.

Along with wingers Monty Lama, Wisea Lawebuka and Jone Macilai, there is an abundance of excitement in the backfield.

With Sam Nock and Peter Breen in the halves, and a strong scrum, Northland are due a win and it could come at the expense of Canterbury.

Canterbury won't be pushovers however, far from it. The southerners have won seven of the last eight provincial championships and have started 2016 in ominous form.

They've been red-hot on attack, putting 43 and 45 on Auckland and Tasman respectively, but have been equally impressive on defence.

They''ve only conceded 17 points in two games. To put this in perspective, no other team has conceded less than 39.

Kick-off is at 7:35pm at Toll Stadium.

Played: 37 matches from 1936-2012
Canterbury wins: 30 Northland wins: 8
Last time they met: Canterbury 48-3 (2014)
Last Northland win: Northland 27-20 (1999)