North Harbour v Wellington
North Harbour Stadium, 2.35pm tomorrow
North Harbour's resources will be tested in tomorrow's clash with Wellington after they lost a third of their side to injury.
Captain Michael Reid, flanker Tom Chamberlain, midfielders Luke McAlister and Brendan Watt and fullback Jack McPhee have all been ruled out of the ITM Cup match at Albany.
"It
does put some pressure on but going into the campaign we carried a good-sized squad so this is an opportunity for those guys," coach Craig Dowd said.
Harbour have restored flanker Malakai Ravulo who missed the last match because of a family funeral and rejigged their backline.
Form five eighths Mike Harris has been pushed out a spot to give the side twin playmakers with Ben Botica starting at first receiver.
Tongan international Alipate Fatafehi moves into his favoured position at centre and Ken Pisi is switched to cover the fullback duties.
"If we play like we did in the second half against Counties we should be fine. Wellington are in a position where they have to win this game if they are going to be in the top half of the competition," coach Craig Dowd said.
Harbour were not going out to be a spoiling opposition, they wanted to stamp their style on the match.
"We have taken some confidence out of the last three weeks. We want to play as well as we did in the second half last weekend.
"We have three games left - we want to finish the campaign strongly and make a statement."
Super Rugby places were available and Harbour were playing for their future and their livelihood.
"I remember last year when guys played their way into selection in the last few rounds," said Dowd.
One player under the microscope will be No 8 Matt Luamanu and Harbour hope he will produce a powerful performance against his old Wellington teammates.
"I think he has x-factor, he is incredibly strong and dynamic but most Super rugby coaches will look at his workrate, so these next few games are crucial for him," said Dowd.
"The clay is there to mould him, he could be an absolute superstar."
NORTH HARBOUR v WELLINGTON
North Harbour
Craig Dowd
Ken Pisi
Jack Tarrant
Alipate Fatafehi
Mike Harris
Nafi Tuitavake
Ben Botica
Chris Smylie
Matt Luamanu
Malakai Ravulo
Richard Mayhew
Filo Paulo
Anthony Boric
Ben Afeaki
James Parsons
James Afoa
Reserves: Manu Leiataua, Taione Vea, James King, Scott Uren, Grayson Hart, Niko Ratumaitavuki, Josh York.
Wellington
Jamie Joseph
Apoua Stewart
J Savea/B Popoalii
Tajhon Mailata
Charlie Ngatai
Alapati Leiua
Piri Weepu
Alby Mathewson
Victor Vito
Scott Fuglistaller
Brad Shields
Api Naikatini
Jeremy Thrush (c)
Neemia Tialata
Dane Coles
John Schwalger
Reserves: Ged Robinson, Reg Goodes, Nick Passi, Dean Brunsdon, Lima Sopoaga, Shaun Treeby, Savea/Popoalii.