QBE INSURANCE North Harbour team named to play Manawatu
Palmerston North on Tuesday August 2 at 8.05pm.
All Blacks loosehead prop Tony Woodcock will start for Harbour in his first game of rugby since he injured ligaments in his foot playing for the Blues against the Rebels in April.
Fijian international Malakai Ravulo has been named at openside flanker, with Solomon King starting at blindside flanker and Brent Wilson in the reserves.
Lock Chris Smith gets a start with James King injured, while former All Black Rudi Wulf is back in the No 13 jersey following a shoulder injury.
Tongan Under 20s midfielder Pita Akhi is set to make his debut for Harbour from the bench.
QBE INSURANCE North Harbour vs. Manawatu:
1 Tony Woodcock - Marist
2 James Parsons - Takapuna
3 Ben Afeaki – Marist
4 Chris Smith - Takapuna
5 Filo Paulo - Mahurangi
6 Solomon King – Takapuna
7 Malakai Ravulo – Western Pioneers
8 Mat Luamanu – North Shore
9 Chris Smylie – Massey (capt)
10 Willie Walker – North Shore
11 Nafi Tuitavake – Massey
12 Luke McAlister - Silverdale
13 Rudy Wulf - Marist
14 David Raikuna – Western Pioneers
15 Codey Rei – East Coast Bays
Reserves:
16 Manu Leiataua – Mahurangi (hooker)
17 James Afoa – Northcote (prop)
18 Irwin Finau – East Coast Bays
19 Brent Wilson – Takapuna
20 Brenton Helleur – Takapuna
21 Pita Ahki - Massey
22 Ken Pisi – Massey
23 Taione Vea – Western Pioneers (prop)
NB: an extra front row forward is allowed in the reserves for the 2011 ITM Cup.