Rugby: Northland keeping it familiar for Harbour battle

Matty Wright returns at fullback for Northland's Mitre 10 Cup crossover fixture against North Harbour. Photo / Getty Images

Northland have made dual changes ahead of their Mitre 10 Cup clash against North Harbour tomorrownight.

Matty Wright returns from the casualty ward to regain his place at fullback while Jaycob Matiu will start his blazer game from the back of the scrum.

Wright's inclusion forces a reshuffle for Solomon Alaimalo as he moves to the wing for his blazer game, while Matiu is a straight swap for Matt Matich.

Assistant coach Dale Macleod said the short turnaround from their impressive 37-7 win over Waikato on Saturday means even more focus on the job at hand.

"Obviously it's a shorter week so there's a bit less training. It's just being really clear in our minds about what we're taking into the game," he said.

"We've had clarity sessions and a couple of other trainings to get us right. It's really important that we focus on the top two inches.

"There won't be as much physical stuff as we get ready. We want to be right going into the game."

On the bench Peter Breen returns from a calf injury at the expense of Tim Blundell while loose forward Michael Faleafa could see his first appearance of 2017 from the pine.

Northland currently have seven players out with injury, including flanker Kara Pryor, lock Josh Goodhue and midfielder Tamati Tua, but such is the depth of the 2017 squad they have sufficient cover.

MacLeod said the side is in a position where they don't need to rush players back from any injury which is vital going forward.

"Kara's got a niggly shoulder injury but it's better. We are mindful of giving him another week. If he doesn't get through there's a longer turnaround so we can get him right," he said.

"This year we've got some depth where we don't have to rush players back into the side. We've got a policy that if you can't give 100 per cent you won't present so we're mindful that the players understand and they give honest feedback.

"We've got enough depth to put a side out that can perform as opposed to bringing guys back early.

"We've got a storm week coming up so we're mindful of going into it not too dinged up because in a storm week that can kill you. We want to keep a fit group and moving forward."

North Harbour will be a stern test for the surging Taniwha. Since gaining promotion to the Premiership, Harbour have remained unbeaten.

A highlight of this four-game run was their 57-10 dismantling of traditional powerhouse Auckland.

But Northland have been in equally impressive form. If wins over Bay of Plenty and Southland weren't a good enough indication, their dressing down of Waikato in tough conditions indicate the level they're playing at.

The match kicks off at 7:35pm.

Northland: Matty Wright, Solomon Alaimalo, Rene Ranger, Jack Goodhue, Jone Macilai, Dan Hawkins, Sam Nock, Jaycob Matiu, Dan Pryor, Jack Ram, Tim Bond, Murray Douglas, Ropate Rinakama, Matt Moulds, Ross Wright.
Reserves: Jordan Olsen, Howard Sililoto, Phil Kite, Josh Larsen, Michael Faleafa, Matty Markwick, Peter Breen, Blake Hohaia.