QBE Insurance North Harbour team to play Auckland
Sunday 7 August, North Harbour Stadium, Kick off at 4.35pm
Lock James King returns to the starting lineup for North Harbour after the lineout ace missed the Manawatu game with a shoulder injury.
Ben Botica is back in the No 10 jersey, with Willie Walker named at fullback, while 18-year-old Tongan under-20s rep Pita Ahki keeps his place as the midfield reserve after an impressive debut against Manawatu.
Alex Woonton, who played a key role in North Shore’s win in the club final last weekend, has been drafted in as reserve prop due to the foot injury sustained by Michael Reid.
Luke McAlister was not considered due to the hamstring injury he sustained on Monday.
QBE INSURANCE North Harbour team vs. Auckland
North Harbour Stadium, Sunday August 7, kick-off 4.35pm.
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. Malakai Ravulo – Western Pioneers
8. Mat Luamanu – North Shore
9. Chris Smylie – Massey (capt)
10. Ben Botica – North Shore
11. David Raikuna – Western Pioneers
12. Brendon Watt – North Shore
13. Rudi Wulf - Marist
14. Nafi Tuitavake – Massey
15. Willie Walker – North Shore
Reserves:
16. Mike Mayhew - Northcote (hooker)
17. Alex Woonton – North Shore (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) *
* an extra front row forward is allowed in the reserves for the 2011 ITM Cup.