Rugby: Northland make two changes for Harbour clash

Matty Wright returns at fullback for Northland as they look to beat North Harbour in the Mitre 10 Cup. PHOTO/TANIA WHYTE

Northland have made just two changes to their starting line-up as they look to pick up their fourth win of the Mitre 10 Cup season against North Harbour.

Matty Wright makes his return at fullback after missing the past two matches, meaning the impressive Solomon Alaimalo moves to the wing.

The other change brings Jaycob Matiu into the starting 15 for the first time in 2017, replacing Matt Matich.

The Harbour fixture will double as blazer games (15th appearance for Northland) for both Matiu and Alaimalo.

On the bench Peter Breen returns from a calf injury at the expense of Tim Blundell while Michael Faleafa comes into the 23 as loose forward cover.

Northland have been in stellar form in the first half of the Mitre 10 Cup, winning three of their first four matches.

Their only blemish was a round two defeat to Auckland but good wins over Bay of Plenty, Southland and, most impressively, Waikato, sit second in the Championship behind Wellington.

The crossover fixture kicks off at 7:35pm on Thursday.

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.