Rugby: Taniwha reps lift shield clash

The North Zone Bayleys Harding Shield final will be played in Dargaville on May 30.

Both Mangonui and Bay of Islands will have use of at least three current and former Taniwha representative players for tonight's North Zone Bayleys Harding Shield playoff match.

Mangonui will be hoping for a dry night so they can unleash Fijian flyers Filipo Nakosi and Isimeli Taqea - both of whom are confirmed in the Taniwha squad for this year's ITM Cup.

Taqea, who is a former Fijian sevens representative, and Nakosi are supported by Taniwha teammate Dane Rawiri who made his debut at prop in last year's ITM Cup.

Joining the trio is Taniwha centurion Bronson Murray, who last played for Northland in 2013.

Another player to keep an eye on is Dan O'Rourke after Taniwha coach Richie Harris last week earmarked him as a player with a bright future.

For the Bay of Islands team, loose forwards Jack Ram and Cam Goodhue will be supported by recent former Taniwha prop Justin Davies.

In what should be an even match up, Bay of Islands will be hoping to get the Harding Shield back after losing their grip on the trophy last season.

Regardless of tonight's result, there will be a new holder of the Bayleys Harding Shield this year after defending champions, Whangarei, were denied a spot in the final when they were beaten 21-10 by Northern Wairoa/Rodney last week.

Northern Wairoa/Rodney outscored Whangarei three tries to two at Waipu's Caledonian Park.

The final will be played in Dargaville on May 30.