Rugby: Co-skipper's return set to lift Taniwha

The return of Bryce Williams could be just the boost the Taniwha need to lift them into the playoffs with a win over Counties-Manukau tomorrow at Toll Stadium.

Things haven't gone too well for the Taniwha since their co-captain was injured five minutes into the game against Southland and it has been a frustrating time on the fringe for the Kamo veteran.

"It's always frustrating when you're on the sideline especially during the match against the Bay [of Plenty] which we should have won because normally we're such a good second half team," he said.

Northland's chances of reaching the playoffs are now balanced on a knife's edge.

"At least we know if we'll need a bonus point or not with the match between Manawatu and Southland all over before our game starts," he said.

With both teams trailing Northland by a point the game tonight in Palmerston North will dictate whether the Taniwha need a bonus point win or just a win tomorrow to progress into next week's semifinal. Williams is hoping for the former as he predicts a tough match against the competition leaders.

"They'll be desperate to make sure of a home semifinal and final so Tasman and Waikato haven't done us any favours but at least they've showed Counties are vulnerable rather than at the beginning of the season when they seemed invincible," he said.

He said Tasman won by tackling Counties behind the gain line and Northland must emulate that while taking care of the visitor's "electric" back three - and being more patient in building attacking opportunities.

The Taniwha will make just three changes to the starting side that played Canterbury with open side specialists Dan Prior and Jack Ram packing down on opposite sides of the scrum. Williams' return gives the bench a more solid look to it with coach Adriaan Ferris acknowledging Hale T-Pole's recent good form by starting him at lock ahead of Jack Whetton.

Williams passed a fitness test yesterday and is confident of passing a second today so he can lead the team out onto Toll Stadium tomorrow at 2.30pm for the last game of the season.

Northland

1 Ross Wright, 2 Tone Kopelani, 3 Pene Kaufusi, 4 Hale T-Pole, 5 Bryce Williams, 6 Dan Pryor, 7 Jack Ram, 8 Will Whetton, 9 Samisoni Fisilau, 10 Ash Moeke, 11 Mateo Malupo, 12 Derek Carpenter, 13 Rene Ranger, 14 Dan Caprice, 15 Faatoina Autagavaia; Reserves: 16 David Hall, 17 Justin Davies, 18 Jack Whetton, 19 Dan Faleafa, 20 Tane Takalua, 21 Orene Ai'i, 22 Matt Wright