Rugby: McAlister replaces Harris as Harbour make seven changes

Luke McAlister will replace Mike Harris in North Harbour's starting XV. Photo / Getty Images

At first glance it might seem North Harbour's coaches have dumped a swift axe on the team disappointingly beaten by Tasman last week.

But there are some qualifications among the seven changes made to the starting XV against Otago with injuries playing a part.

Hooker James Parsons broke an arm in the 19-15 Air New Zealand Cup loss last Friday; halfback Chris Smylie had hamstring niggles in the match and has been rested; and wing Rudi Wulf, on the bench last week, is out after a training mishap at North Harbour Stadium yesterday.

In addition, players have swapped between starting positions and the bench at openside flank, No 8 and loosehead prop.

But the most interesting adjustment has All Black Luke McAlister starting at No 10 in place of Mike Harris, who drops to the bench.

Harris was a matchwinner against Canterbury in round one and has scored 32 of Harbour's 37 points so far.

But McAlister offers the sharper running game and Harbour's wide men - including Anthony Tuitavake on the right wing - have had limited opportunities.

He's also been keen to get more game time behind him. With the Wallabies looming in Sydney on August 22, McAlister will be determined to press his case to a higher authority.

Brothers Michael and Richard Mayhew, sons of longtime All Black doctor John Mayhew, get their first start together as coaches Craig Dowd and Jeff Wilson look to rework their combinations.

Otago
Ben Smith, Karne Hesketh, Brett Mather, Luke Herden, Ryan Shortland, Chris Noakes, Sean Romans, Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai (captain), Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Hayden Triggs, Sam Hibbard, Jason Macdonald, Ben Nolan.

Reserves: Peter Mirrielees, Kees Meeuws, Hoani Matenga, Paul Grant, Johnny Legg, Glenn Dickson, Andrew Parata.

North Harbour
Jack McPhee, Anthony Tuitavake (captain), George Pisi, Andrew Mailei, Ken Pisi, Luke McAlister, Matt France, Richard Mayhew, Malakai Ravulo, Chris Smith, Filo Paulo, James King, Ben Afeaki, Michael Mayhew, James Afoa.

Reserves: Joe Royal, Michael Reid, Viliame Ma'afu, Robbie Colhoun, Nalu Tuigamalu, Michael Harris, Nafi Tuitavake.