North Harbour is hoping wing Tevita Li can up his work-rate and rediscover his form as they prepare for tonight's ITM Cup crossover clash with Canterbury in Albany.
"I don't think it's confidence with Tevita. He probably needs to get himself in the game a bit more," said North Harbourcoach Steve Jackson. "He's gone away from using that outside fend to being a bit more confrontational. That might be due to some frustration at not getting that ball, but hopefully he can find that spark [tonight]."
He knows there is pressure on Canterbury as the unbeaten premiership leaders, but equally there is pressure on his injury-hit squad (11 are out) to produce form, after only 10 tries and one win in the championship after six games.
"We're going to need guys to put their hand up and take this team forward. We'll give it everything we've got, but it's a mental thing for us at the moment," Jackson said.
Flanker Jordan Manihera is out with an ankle injury, there is a new loose trio, and Matt McGahan replaces the injured Pita Ahki at second five.
Canterbury coach Scott Robertson has made sweeping changes, including the introduction of Ryan Crotty, on the comeback trail. The second-five needs only to emerge unscathed to cement his berth on a plane to join the All Blacks in Johannesburg.
No 8 Luke Whitelock assumes the captaincy and New Zealand Under 20s halfback Mitch Drummond starts in place of Willi Heinz.
