New division one side Manawatu chasing fourth victory

It might be a pre-season kick-around designed to help Bruce Hodder sort out some selection questions for the serious stuff in August, but tonight's representative rugby match against Manawatu means much more for rugby folk at the match venue in Palmerston North.
While Hodder is experimenting with several aspects of his team with a view to ranking players for the final provincial selection, the prospect of playing in the new expanded first division competition next year has added some significance for Manawatu.
That and the small matter of Manawatu's clash with the British and Irish Lions in a week's time.
It is an aspect of the game Hodder acknowledges, but says won't change his approach tonight.
"From a Manawatu perspective they are the second-division team that was the least likely to get into the new provincial competition next year. They are enjoying the fact that they are in there and will want to celebrate that by tipping over a first-division team," Hodder said.
"All the circumstances will work for them and we will have to deal with that," he said.
"We need to make sure we are doing things that make sure our provincial campaign is on, and stays on, track."
Injury and availability has robbed Hodder of a chance to field the team he hoped for tonight, with new lock Buster Taihere ruled out along with prop Bronson Murray and Matt Faleuka missing from the backline with a hamstring niggle as well.
Key backs David Holwell and Jared Going both withdrew from the travelling squad with work and family commitments.
So Welshman Emyr Lewis gets a chance at fullback, Daniel Bowden gets another shot in the No.10 jersey and Quin Butler slots into second five-eighths.
Upfront Simon Lemalu has a crack at tighthead prop, a position he may occupy more permanently if he performs tonight, while Jake Paringatai has been moved to blindside flanker opening the way for Fijian Maseke Davu to play at No.8.
There are any number of possibilities to experiment with as there are nine players on the reserves bench including new midfield back Soul Salulu, Chilean halfback Nico Arancibia and young props Justin Davies and Gary Whippy.
Add to the equation Brad Taylor being named as captain for the day and there will be much for Hodder to ponder in the aftermath.
Manawatu is chasing its fourth straight win after the last two games in Brisbane and the 15-10 win over Wellington on May 31.
Coach Charlie McAlister has rejigged his back trio, where Jason Morgan has been brought on to the wing and Frank Bryant to fullback.
With Johnny Leota, they are all safe midfield backs. Even in the absence of speedsters ready for this level, they are capable. Furthermore, McAlister wants players who will keep their mind on the job for 80 minutes. Morgan scored an excellent chip-and-chase try in the Manawatu trial on the Oval on March 25.
This isn't a trial for the Manawatu players. It is more of a shakedown for the Lions' match, and McAlister is likely to deploy his squad of 24.
It is also timely for first five-eighth Graham Smith to make his Manawatu home debut after injuries.
Loosehead prop Sam Moore has played NPC rugby for King Country _ as has captain and hooker Nathan Kemp for Auckland _ and Jonny Hargreaves had two games for North Harbour in 2000.
The Northland team is: Emyr Lewis, Mike Rowe, Manu Burkhardt-Macrae, Quin Butler, Isoa Neivua, Daniel Bowden, John Senio, Maseke Davu, Luke Ottley, Jake Paringatai, Brad Taylor (capt), Karl Christenson, Simon Lemalu, Stan Wright. Reserves: Justin Davies, Gary Whippy, Dixie Harris, Aaron Wright, Nico Arancibia, Aiden Dewes, Soul Salulu, Aaron Baigent.
Manawatu: Frank Bryant, Jason Morgan, Jason Campbell, Matt Oldridge, Johnny Leota, Graham Smith, Jonny Hargreaves, Bryan Matenga, Josh Bradnock, Hayden Triggs, Tim Faleafaga, Sam Woods, Keni Barrett, Nathan Kemp, Sam Moore Reserves: Shaun Buckley, Isaac Cook, Daniel Harper, Feofa'aki Lea, Chris Moke, David Palu, Nick Buckley, Ben Trew, Bevan Gray.