McKenty marks milestone

Joel McKenty won both games as stand-in Northland captain and another victory today will serve as an absolute double whammy for the veteran flanker.

The clash against North Harbour in Albany will be his 50th cap for the Taniwha but his focus is entirely on the match and securing a positive outcome.

McKenty, 30, has alternated between jerseys six and seven since 2006 and reckons there's plenty of gas to last a couple more seasons.

He's starting today's game in the number six jersey.

"My biggest game was to captain the team against Otago but to also win was definitely a bonus. This [today's game] is also right up there," he said.

But McKenty would rather win any game and not be the captain.

Jared Payne will wear the captain's armband in Albany - something McKenty said would help him focus more on his own performance.

"Playing for your home province is something that's pretty special to me. I just love the lifestyle of people up North and being a smaller union, the camaraderie is great."

He wants to end his rugby career with the Taniwha.

McKenty played age-grade rugby for Northland before securing a sponsorship with the Waikato School Rugby Academy where he played four games for the Mooloos.

He said Northland was tracking well in its ITM campaign but losses to Wellington, Manawatu and Canterbury hurt him.

McKenty still harbours an ambition to play Super Rugby for any franchise interested in him and nearly got there with a stellar performance for Northland in 2009.

So what does he bring to his team?

"I'd like to think a bit of passion and pride in what I do and a hard-nosed attitude ... [I] don't want to lose a game," he said.

Northland coach Adriaan Ferris was full of praise for his blindside flanker.

"He's passionate about Northland, is superb in our environment, very positive and a leader who helps others both on and off the field," Ferris said.

"To play one game for your province is a huge honour but for him to play 50 shows the character of the guy and he's really worked hard for the team in the last couple of years."

The Northland v North Harbour game kicks off at 5.30pm.

Northland: Matt Wallis, Ross Wright, Scott Vessey, Bryce Williams, Mark Burman, Joel McKenty, Danny Mason, Cam Eyre, Rhyan Caine, Aaron Bancroft, Bryce Heem, Derek Carpenter, Jared Payne (captain), Simon Munro, Lachie Munro. Reserves: Tim Dow, Justin Davies, Dan Faleafa, Cam Goodhue, Wayne Ngaluafe, Ash Moeke, Jack McPhee, Jamie Corsi.

North Harbour: Willie Walker, Nafi Tuitavaki, Rudi Wulf, Brendon Watt, David Raikuna, Ben Botica, Chris Smylie (captain), Mat Luamanu, Scott Uren, Solomon King, Filo Paulo, James King, Ben Afeaki, Michael Mayhew, Alex Woonton. Reserves: Manu Leiataua, Taione Vea, Michael Farmer, Sam Hayes-Stevenson, Luke Hamilton, Pita Ahki, Codey Rei, James Afoa.