Injured All Black forward Troy Flavell has been named to come off the bench in North Harbour's NPC first division match against Bay of Plenty at Albany Stadium tomorrow night.
Flavell, who suffered a knee injury early in the Super 12 season, has delayed his return until considered 100 per centfit.
North Harbour selector-coach Russell Jones said Flavell, who had trained with the squad the past three weeks, had a solid workout on Tuesday.
"He seems to have come out of it pretty well," Jones said.
"We still have to make checks. If he comes out okay he will be on the bench.
"But, as he is pretty special, we won't risk him if there is any doubt."
Jones also has added dynamic flanker Matua Parkinson to the bench. Parkinson has been out of action with a wrist injury.
Wing Karl TeNana, a member of the Chiefs Super 12 squad and New Zealand sevens, has a back problem and was not available.
Jones and his assistant, Gary Cunningham, have retained the same starting line-up as took the field in the 35-10 win against Northland last Saturday after losing to Taranaki 31-25 the week before.
The curtainraiser, starting at 5.30pm is the secondary school final between Massey High and Rosmini. North Harbour: Nick Evans, Rodd Penney, Brad Miller, Hayden Reid, Mark Mayerhofler, Luke McAlister, Mark Robinson, Blair Urlich, Craig Newby, Mark Giacheri, Matt Lord, Andrew Gallagher, Tevita Taumoepeau, Slade McFarland, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Joe Ward, John Buchanan, Troy Flavell, Matua Parkinson, Chris Smylie, Tusi Pisi, Anthony Tuitivake.
