Rugby: Vui return a boost for Harbour

Chris Vui of North Harbour takes a lineout. Photo / Getty

ITM Cup crossover
Manawatu v North Harbour
Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North
Saturday, 7.35pm
The return of loose forward Chris Vui is the big plus for North Harbour as they plan for their fourth and final crossover match tomorrow night.

The clash in Palmerston North against Premiership cellar dwellers Manawatu is very much a must-win for both provinces. The home side need victory or relegation will be staring them in the face, while Harbour need four or five competition points to move back into the Championship semifinal slots.

The Harbour backline is settled but Vui, who has proven a lineout ace this season, packs down at No 8 in place of the injured Hapakuki Moala-Liava'a. This allows a two flanker game with Josh Blucher and James Doyle. Takapuna's George Tuinukuafe may debut off the bench, while former NZ Schools lock/loose forward Brandon Nansen returns to the reserves.

Daniel Halangahu is injured, so new Blues signing Matt McGahan will again run the cutter at No 10.

Last season, North Harbour defeated the Turbos 24-13 in Albany. The visitors are coming off a competitive but tactically naïve 10-17 reverse to Canterbury, while Manawatu copped a 49-14 shellacking at the hands of Southland.

North Harbour: Josh Rowland, Nafi Tuitavake, Pita Ahki, Michael Little, Tevita Li, Matt McGahan, Bryn Hall (c), Chris Vui, Josh Blucher, James Doyle, Hayden Triggs, Gerard Tuioti-Mariner, Sione Mafileo, James Parsons, Nic Mayhew; Reserves: Ray Niuia, Alex Woonton, George Tuinukuafe, Brandon Nansen, Jordan Manihera, David Bason, Matt Vaega, Junior Tofa-Va'a