It has historically been hard enough for North Harbour players to get into the Blues Super 12 - now Super 14 - squad but today's match against Southland in Invercargill has more of an All Black smell about it.
Both sides have had efficient and enjoyable NPCs and both have
players who will be glad they are getting another chance to make their rugby CVs more presentable.
Harbour coach Alan Pollock has resisted the urge to shield players from the fashionable trend of "too much rugby", allowing the likes of centres Anthony Tuitavake and Rua Tipoki and No 8 Nick Williams to continue their claims for national representation.
Tipoki has been one of the form NPC midfielders for the second year in a row and, though All Black selection might be a bridge too far, it will seem unfair if he misses out on a Blues spot because of the crowded nature of Auckland's backline riches.
Southland also bring an All Black flavour to proceedings, with this the last chance for lock Hoani Macdonald to present his credentials for the Grand Slam tour. His name has cropped up as a possibility for a long, lean, loose forward if the selectors decide to trial a player who can rule the back of the All Black lineout.
Macdonald will play at lock today - squaring off against Greg Rawlinson, the South African-born lock who, if the beating drums are to be believed, has only to qualify for New Zealand next year before gaining a invite to a new kit-fitting.
The other All Black element on display will include the prefix 'former'. Paul Miller is still only 28 and may have deserved more than the two All Black matches he played against Ireland A and Scotland A on John Mitchell's 2001 UK tour.
Miller was always a hard man to stop and this will be his last game for Southland before heading to Japan.
North Harbour
G. Pisi, V. Waqaseduadua, A. Tuitavake, R. Tipoki (c), Z. Lawrence, L. McAlister, J. Poluleuligaga, N. Williams, T. Harding, A. Boric, G. Rawlinson, M. Veale, M. Noble, J. Ward, T. Woodcock. Reserves: R. Dustow, T. Coughlan, B. Wilson, R. Voullaire, C. McGrath, J. Nasmith, A. Mailei.
Southland
P. Te Whare, I. Delasau, B. Smith, J. Kawau, W. Lotawa, R. Apanui, J. Cowan, P. Miller, T. Boys, D. Quate, H. Macdonald, K. Thompson, C. Dunlea, J. Rutledge, C. Dermody (c). Reserves: D. Hall, K. Anderson, R. Logan, H. Tamariki, P. Dawson, R. Smith, M. Harrison.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
It has historically been hard enough for North Harbour players to get into the Blues Super 12 - now Super 14 - squad but today's match against Southland in Invercargill has more of an All Black smell about it.
Both sides have had efficient and enjoyable NPCs and both have
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