All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock will make a rare appearance for North Harbour in their Air NZ Cup rugby match against Taranaki in New Plymouth on Friday.
The world class loosehead's inclusion sees Michael Reid shift to the tighthead side and Ben Afeaki to the reserve bench.
Another notable selectionis that of former All Blacks winger Rudi Wulf at fullback, a position where he shone for the Blues late in this year's Super 14 championship.
Regular custodian Jack McPhee shuffles to the right wing.
North Harbour Rudi Wulf, Jack McPhee, George Pisi, Andrew Mailei, Ken Pisi, Ben Botica, Chris Smylie, Viliame Ma'afu, Tom Chamberlain, Chris Smith (captain), Filo Paulo, James King, Michael Reid, Michael Mayhew, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: James Hanson, Ben Afeaki, Richard Mayhew, Malakai Ravulo, Matt France, Hayden Abercrombie, Josh York
