Northland hooker Matt Moulds has been in good form off the bench for the Blues. Photo/Getty Images
Northland hooker Matt Moulds has been in good form off the bench for the Blues. Photo/Getty Images
Three Northland players are in action this weekend as the Super Rugby season intensifies.
Matt Moulds will continue to back up incumbent Blues hooker James Parsons as they take on the Brumbies in round 10 of the competition.
Both sides are desperate for a win. The Blues have only wonthree matches this season and are coming of a bye following a heart-wrenching 28-24 loss to the Hurricanes.
The Brumbies meanwhile sit top of the Australian conference but have struggled all season long and come into the clash on a two game losing streak.
Northlanders Josh Goodhue (hamstring) and Rene Ranger (ankle) were both unavailable for selection because of injuries.
Meanwhile Solomon Alaimalo gets another crack in the Chiefs' starting lineup as they try to build on their scrappy 16-7 win over the Western Force last week.
The Chiefs are looking likely to be in the thick of the finals action after the British and Irish Lions tour but will want to pick up a convincing win over stragglers Sunwolves.
The match will be Alaimalo's second start of his career, the first coming against the Melbourne Rebels where he impressed with ball in hand but blotted his copybook with a dangerous tackle which resulted in a yellow card.
The other Northlander in action this week is highly impressive Crusaders centre Jack Goodhue, who retains his starting spot.
The Crusaders, taking on the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, are looking to continue their impressive unbeaten run that Goodhue has been a consistent contributor to.
Teammate Matt Todd brings up his 100th Super Rugby appearance for the franchise.