Air NZ Cup preview: Lomu key in Harbour win

N Harbour v Wellington
North Harbour, 4.35

The lowdown: The game could seal a spot in the top six playoffs for North Harbour, while Wellington can maintain their unbeaten start to the season. But it's the likely return from injury of two players that will provide the main talking points - Jonah Lomu and Conrad Smith. Lomu continues his comeback from a kidney transplant and dons a Harbour jersey for the first time this season. He starts from the bench, meaning Vili Waqaseduadua and Rudi Wulf will feature on the wings, but will surely see some action.

Smith could provide the answer to the complex question of who plays centre for the All Blacks but he first has to find his feet with Wellington after breaking his leg early in the Super 14. His return softens the blow for Wellington of the absence of the injured Tana Umaga.

Harbour have beaten Tasman, Taranaki and Bay of Plenty but their season probably starts today. Next week they have the bye before taking on Auckland.

Although Wellington are unbeaten, they have made a scratchy start to their campaign with wins over Taranaki and Bay of Plenty. At least they can expect to work up a fair head of steam heading into the top six, considering they round out their round robin with games against Manawatu and Tasman. Tough. All Black call-ups and injuries have meant Wellington have had to make seven changes to the XV that beat the Bay a fortnight ago.

Look out for: A close game. Traditionally these two teams have been difficult to separate - Wellington won 19-17 on their last visit to Albany two years ago.

What we think: Harbour by a whisker. The hometown factor with a dash of Lomu will be the difference.

North Harbour: G. Pisi, V. Waqaseduadua, A. Tuitavake, R. Tipoki (c), R. Wulf, T. Pisi, J Poluleuligaga, N. Williams, R. Tamihere, V. Ma'afu, A. Boric, D. Fletcher, A. Donald, J. Hinchco, C. White. Reserves: R. Dustow, M. Reid, R. Wilson, D. Kane, J. Rodley, J. McPhee, J. Lomu.

Wellington: S. Paku, L. Fa'atau, C. Smith, T. Tu'ipulotu, C. Jane, J. Gopperth, N. Hunt, T. Waldrom, S. Lilo, L. Andrews, R. Filipo, R. Kennedy, J. Schwalger,L. Mahoney, J. McDonnell (c). Reserves: M. Schwalger, K. Tuirirangi, V. Vito, B. Herring, J. Spice, A. Mathewson, E. Va'a.