Rugby: All Blacks on Harbour bench

North Harbour have the services of All Blacks Luke McAlister (pictured) and Rudi Wulf against Tasman on Friday. Photo / Getty Images

North Harbour welcome back Luke McAlister from All Black duty and Rudi Wulf from injury to reinforce their bench for Friday night's second round Air NZ Cup clash with Tasman at Albany.

McAlister will make his first provincial appearance for his home union since leaving for England after the 2007 World Cup while Wulf launches his bid for All Black reselection after hurting a shoulder during training ahead of the first French test in June.

Wulf dropped out of the All Black squad and was replaced by Wellington fullback Cory Jane for the early season internationals while specialist wings Lelia Masaga and Hosea Gear also staked their claims in his absence.

North Harbour head coach Craig Dowd resisted the urge to start his returning All Blacks and has made only minor changes to the side that defended superbly against defending champions Canterbury before clinching a 22-19 victory last weekend.

Goal-kicking pivot Michael Harris and second five-eighth Andrew Mailei have been retained, leaving McAlister to slot in later in the match in either position.

Dowd has promoted Nafi Tuitavake to the left wing in place of Ken Pisi, who drops out of the squad, while Michael Reid starts at loosehead prop in place of the benched James Afoa.

Robbie Colhoun also starts on the openside flank with Malakai Ravulo reverting to the bench.

North Harbour
Jack McPhee, Anthony Tuitavake (captain), George Pisi, Andrew Mailei, Nafi Tuitavake, Michael Harris, Chris Smylie, Viliame Ma'afu, Robbie Colhoun, Chris Smith, Filo Paulo, James King, Ben Afeaki, James Parsons, Michael Reid.

Reserves: Michael Mayhew, James Afoa, Richard Mayhew, Malakai Ravulo, Matt France, Luke McAlister, Rudi Wulf.

- NZPA