QBE Insurance North Harbour team named to play Bay of Plenty
Mt Maunganui on Saturday 23 July – kick off 5.35pm
Luke McAlister will start at second-five for North Harbour against Bay of Plenty on Saturday. Regular centre Rudi Wulf is unavailable due to a shoulder injury picked up in the win over Tasman on Tuesday and his place has been taken by Nafi Tuitavake.
Blues lock Filo Paulo will start at lock after recovering from a long term injury, while halfback Brenton Helleur is on the bench after playing his part in Samoa’s historic win over Australia.
James Afoa will start at loosehead prop, James Parsons returns to the hooking role and Scott Uren is the openside flanker.
QBE INSURANCE North Harbour vs. Bay of Plenty:
1. James Afoa – Northcote
2. James Parsons – Takapuna
3. Ben Afeaki – Marist
4. James King – North Shore
5. Filo Paulo - Mahurangi
6. Solomon King – Takapuna
7. Scott Uren - Marist
8. Mat Luamanu – North Shore
9. Chris Smylie – Massey (capt)
10. Ben Botica - North Shore
11. David Raikuna – Western Pioneers
12. Luke McAlister - Silverdale
13. Nafi Tuitavake – Massey
14. Ken Pisi – Massey
15. Willie Walker – North Shore
Reserves:
16. Manu Leiataua – Mahurangi (hooker)
17. Taione Vea – Western Pioneers (prop)
18. Chris Smith – Takapuna
19. Brent Wilson – Takapuna
20. Brenton Helleur – Takapuna
21. Brendon Watt – North Shore
22. Codey Rei – East Coast Bays
23. Michael Reid – Marist (prop)
NB: an extra front row forward is allowed in the reserves for the 2011 ITM Cup.