Rugby: Harbour out to make amends for some memorable losses

Bryn Hall of North Harbour. Photo / Getty Images

North Harbour coach Steve Jackson is not one to live in the past, but he may still be bitter about how his side's ITM Cup Championship semifinal aspirations crashed in the capital last season, handing the Wellington Lions their first and only win of a wretched 2014.

No fewer than 12 of the 23 named for tonight's home clash against Wellington played in that gut-wrenching 58-34 loss, and they will all still surely recall the feeling, which allowed Southland to sneak into the top four.

The word "revenge" may be whispered quietly. But of more immediate importance is how to erase the disappointing 20-11 loss last Friday to Bay of Plenty.

Jackson has benched first five Matt McGahan, who was a mixture against the Steamers, and promoted Australian Daniel Halangahu to carry out the game plan.

Michael Little has moved in one to second five after injury to Pita Ahki.

Little set up the sole try to fullback Junior Tofa Va'a. Prop Nic Mayhew is injured, so Adrian Smith joins the starting front row. Jody Allen and Josh Rowland could win their first caps off the bench.

"There is no doubt this game will be a challenge for our boys," says Jackson.

"But the reality is that every team presents that. If we turn up in the right frame of mind we will do well. I expect us to do so.

"There is real belief in this group of men. We aren't here to make up the numbers - but we all know talk is cheap. It is also exciting to know that we will have a good crowd in to watch the First XV final early - it will certainly make for a great atmosphere in the build-up."

That First XV final pits perennial North Harbour schools heavyweights Westlake Boys' High and Rosmini in the 5.35pm curtainraiser. The hope is that the crowd sticks around for the main game, which has not always been the case in the past.

Wellington have moved Cory Jane to fullback, while Jeremy Thrush comes into the second row.

Their loose trio of Brad Shields, Ardie Savea and Vaea Fifita are all strong ball carriers, so Harbour's defence will need to be accurate.

Wellington have a 15-11 head-to-head advantage since 1986, while Harbour have not won since 2006.

North Harbour v Wellington: QBE Stadium, 7:35 tonight.

North Harbour: Junior Tofa-Va'a, Nafi Tuitavake, Matt Vaega, Michael Little, Tevita Li, Daniel Halangahu, Bryn Hall (c), Jordan Manihera, Josh Blucher, Chris Vui, Hayden Triggs, Gerard Tuioti-Mariner, Sione Mafileo, James Parsons, Adrian Smith.
Reserves: Ray Niuia, Alex Woonton, Jody Allen, Brandon Nansen, Hapakuki Moala-Liava'a, David Bason, Matt McGahan, Josh Rowland.