Rugby: Northlanders in action for Blues in Warkworth warm-up

Tamati Tua will play on the right wing for the Blues in their last pre-season match ahead of the Super Rugby season. They play the Hurricanes in Warkworth. Photo / Photosport

The Blues will play their northern-most game of 2018 when they take on the Hurricanes in Warkworth today.

Northland will provide five players for the Blues as they look to continue their strong pre-season form towards the start of the Super Rugby season.

Lock Josh Goodhue will be part of the first-half side while Jordan Hyland and Tamati Tua will be on opposite wings in the second stanza. Prop Ross Wright and halfback Sam Nock are named as replacements.

The game will be played at Mahurangi Rugby Club, kicking off at 4pm.

Blues coach Tana Umaga said they were looking forward to getting more Northland spectators along to the match.

"We are excited to transfer the hard work on the practice field, in the gym and in our planning into the game situation," he said.

"As a group we are also excited to support the Mahurangi club and take this game to Warkworth where our North Harbour and Northland fans can more easily come and watch us."

Meanwhile Dan Pryor will be coming off the bench for the Highlanders in their annual pre-season match against the defending champion Crusaders.

The loose forward will likely replace one of the starting trio, made up of Liam Squire, Dillon Hunt and Luke Whitelock.

Pryor will come up against a pair of his Taniwha teammates - Jack Goodhue and Jone Macilai.

Goodhue will start at centre, combining with his midfield partner-in-crime Ryan Crotty, while winger Macilai will look to add impact from the bench.

Super Rugby officially kicks off this weekend but only the South African conference is in action.

The Stormers face the Jaguares while last year's finalists Lions are at home against the Sharks.

Next week sees two local derbies - the Highlanders host the Blues while the Chiefs head to Christchurch for a clash with the Crusaders.