Rugby: Northland looking to bounce back

Warren Dunn will be looking to add impact from the bench again, as he did in all three ITM Cup matches this season. Here he gets a snappy pass away during training yesterday. Photo / John Stone

Northland will be looking to reignite the form they showed two weeks ago when they face Hawkes Bay at Toll Stadium tomorrow night, at the later start time of 8.05pm.

However, a season-ending thumb injury to centre Winston Stanley and injuries to Fijian wingers Jone Macilai and Filipo Nakosi will see a different back line take to the park in their ITM Cup clash.

Tomorrow night's starting line-up features three changes to the one that lost 48-3 to Canterbury last Thursday, with one change on the bench.

Coming in for Macilai on the left wing is Hora Hora's Ume Fosita who will be in line for his third cap for the Taniwha.

On the other wing, Nakosi is replaced by Awanui club mate Whiria Meltzer who will make his first appearance for the season - and eighth in a Taniwha jersey.

At centre, Waipu's Brook Gilmore returns to start his second game of the season in place of the injured Stanley.

For Gilmore it is likely to be a tough day at the office as he lines up against Chief's centre - former Crusader - Robbie Fruean and is likely to have plenty of encounters with the hard-running Highlander Richard Buckman.

Lock Tom Murday and prop Namatahi Waa have recovered in time from their back and neck injuries from the last game.

Coach Derren Witcombe said after the loss to Canterbury the sudden influx of injuries would mean opportunities for others, and either way they would only be able to field the best team they could.

Leading the charge against the Taniwha is Blues first-five Ihaia West who will have the support of Chief's second-five Andrew Horrell.

Also lining up for Hawkes Bay will be former Taniwha centre Jason Shoemark, who starts on the bench alongside the experienced Matt Berquist.

Tomorrow night's match will hold special meaning for openside flanker Jack Ram who will play his blazer game for the Taniwha.

Last time the Taniwha met Hawkes Bay, Northland let a strong first half lead go to lose 31-26 in Napier last season.

Hawkes Bay: Brendon Edmonds, Ash Dixon, Jason Marshall, Michael Allardice, Tom Parsons, Tony Lamborn/Mark Atkins, Brendon O'Connor (c), Mark Abbott, Chris Eaton, Ihaia West, Mikey Vuicakau, Andrew Horrell, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Tongia, Richard Buckman. Reserves: Tivaini Fomai, Adrian Barone, Geoff Cridge, Tom Stanley, Ellery Wilson, Jason Shoemark, Matt Berquist.