Mitre 10 Cup: Northland prepared for Southern contest

Coach Richie Harris and Northland are looking for their first win of the Mitre 10 Cup when they face off with Otago at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Photo/Photosport.nz

Storm week is upon Northland and while the going will be tough, but they aren't losing faith.

Northland will take on two unbeaten South Island teams in four days, starting with Otago at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

They're coming off the back of a tough 37-15 loss to Auckland, but Northland have been showing positive signs in the early stages of the Mitre 10 Cup.

Coach Richie Harris said they learnt a lot from their defeat to Auckland.

"Not getting any lineout ball was a big factor in the loss. Looking at the stats, there was a massive discrepancy between two teams which ended up being very crucial," he said.

"We have been looking to improve that area of our game."

The loss to Auckland was heavily felt in the casualty ward, with lock Josh Goodhue and loose forwards Michael Faleafa and Dan Pryor suffering injuries causing them to be unavailable for selection.

Goodhue is missing due to concussion, but is already on the right protocols involved with the injury. His timeframe is not fully clear, but will be monitored day-to-day.

Harris said Faleafa's and Pryor's injuries are more severe, with Pryor likely to miss the rest of their Mitre 10 Cup campaign.

"Pryor is highly likely gone for season with an ACL injury. He landed on his knee, and it has gone the wrong way. He's seen the surgeon and is definitely out this week, but it's not looking too good going forward," he said.

"Faleafa has a suspected broken foot. He will have more x-rays to check damage. It's looking to be two to three weeks at least."

Looking to Otago, Harris said they are wary with their ability to play well at home and will continue to look to their set piece going forward.

"They play at home well. There are little nuances about the stadium and they know it well. They utilise high ball well and have terrific support plays on attack which tests scrambling defence. It's second to none," he said.

"Game-plan wise, it's not too different. We want good set piece ball, replicating scrum against Auckland. Desperate to get lineout going well again. If we get set piece, it will get the attack going."

"Our intent is on the improve. If we get to the gain line, we can use our strike moves."

The match will be a homecoming for first-five Peter Breen, having played 4o games for the southerners.

Six changes have been made to Northland's starting lineup: captain Matt Moulds and flanker Kara Pryor return from injury, Matt Matich comes in off the bench for Dan Pryor, Howard Sililoto gets a start at prop, Jordan Hyland goes back to second-five and Wisea Lawebuka will start on the wing.

Kick off is at 7:35pm.

Northland: Solomon Alaimalo, Wisea Lawebuka, Warren Dunn, Jordan Hyland, Jone Macilai, Peter Breen, Sam Nock, Matt Matich, Jack Ram, Kara Pryor, Shane Neville, Josh Larsen, Phil Kite, Matt Moulds (c), Howard Sililoto; Reserves: Jordan Olsen, Namatahi Waa, Matt Talaese, Epineri Uluiviti, Aorangi Stokes, Matty Marwick, Dan Hawkins, Tamati Tua.

Otago: Michael Collins, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Matt Faddes, Sio Tomkinson, Jack Wilson, Fletcher Smith, Josh Walden, Paul Grant (c), Naulia Dawai, Sione Teu, Blair Tweed, Tom Franklin, Hisa Sasagi, Sam Anderson-Heather, Aki Seiuli; Reserves: Liam Coltman, Craig Millar, Donald Brighouse, Tom Rowe, Hame Toma, Kaide Whiting, Scott Eade, Tony Ensor.