Wellington's magic midfield matchup

Ma'a Nonu

Many eyes may be on the bloke in the North Harbour No 10 tonight, but there's a mouthwatering matchup in prospect alongside Luke McAlister at the Wellington Cake Tin.

Wellington have moved Ma'a Nonu to second five-eighths, from where he'll lead Wellington, with All Black Conrad Smith back at centre.

They will square off against Rua Tipoki and Anthony Tuitavake in a battle of power, guile and speed.

Tuitavake, who was good value for the Highlanders in the Super 12 this year, made one slashing break in Harbour's disappointing 27-10 loss to Auckland last weekend, while the tough-tackling, combative Tipoki worked overtime to inspire his young backline.

On the other side, Nonu ran in three tries against an overmatched Northland backline in round one while Smith hasn't had any rugby since the third Lions test on July 9 and will be thirsting for action.

Both coaches have done some tweaking. Harbour coach Allan Pollock has moved George Pisi from wing to fullback, where he's a national under-19 representative, and Vili Waqeseduadua comes on to the wing.

Wellington coach John Plumtree has two new faces in his front row. Neemia Tialata, back after a lengthy layoff for calf surgery, comes in for injured captain Joe McDonnell, who could be gone for six weeks with shoulder damage, and Mahonri Schwalger replaces Luke Mahoney at hooker. Hosea Gear comes in for Roy Kinikinilau on the left wing. He was on the North Harbour wing in the corresponding match last year.

Expect a decent tussle at the lineouts where Greg Rawlinson was superb for Harbour against Auckland, and Luke Andrews and Ross Filipo, helped by big flanker Kristian Ormsby, should present problems for any team this season.

Last year, Harbour could have won this clash at Albany. But McAlister's magic three minutes from the end, which seemed destined to turn an 18-16 deficit into victory, was ruined as Lome Fa'atau's stray arm nudged the ball out of the gifted playmaker's arms with the Wellington tryline beckoning.

Given the amount of debate this week on the All Black No 10 spot for next week's Tri-Nations test against South Africa, it is inevitable McAlister will be under the greatest scrutiny. He is up against his old New Zealand secondary schools team-mate Jimmy Gopperth. Gopperth was first five-eighths and McAlister second five when Australia were beaten 33-7 at Carisbrook four years ago.

Gopperth is making rapid strides up the first five-eighths pecking order since busting into the Hurricanes in this year's Super 12. It should be an intriguing duel.