Rugby: Hard work on scrum has coach hopeful of win

TIGHTEN UP: Northland will need to rectify their scrum execution if they are to have any chance against Manawatu tomorrow.PHOTO/JOHN STONE

If Northland are looking to get their first win of the season, tomorrow's match against Manawatu is berleying up to give them a good chance at reeling one in.

Whether or not they choose to unravel the tinfoil and find their golden ticket is another question, however, and something head coach Richie Harris hopes his side can rectify after flailing away their chances during the first four matches of the season.

"We're certainly going in with confidence," Harris said of his team after their 50-7 thumping from Taranaki last weekend.

Loosehead prop Howard Sililoto will start alongside skipper Matt Moulds and tighthead prop Namatahi Waa, while Argentinian import-prop Matais Narvaez will seek his first run off the pine to help the ailing scrum which saw Taranaki dispose of Northland's chances to engage their set pieces.

"We've worked hard on it," Harris said of the forward packs' work during the week on correcting the attacking platforms - namely the scrum and lineout.

"We've been addressing the set piece and making sure we've got clarity around it.

"They've [Manawatu] been struggling a bit but they put in a good last half against Auckland [so] we're really looking to attack with set piece in the backs."

Also seeking his first cap for the Taniwha after impressing selectors with two tries for Northland Development last weekend, Isimeli Taqea edges his way into the 23-man side to face Manawatu after midfielder Warren Dunn was ruled out with a hamstring injury after training yesterday.

With senior squad member Shane Neville out of the picture for the trip to Palmerston North due to a calf injury suffered two weeks ago, bustling Mid Western loose forward Jaycob Matiu is set to run on in the No8 jersey and could provide some muss at the back of the scrum to add to Northland's expansive attacking plans and develop a stoic loose forward trio along with Pryor brothers Kara and Dan.

Palmerston North, tomorrow, 4.35pm
Northland: Howard Sililoto, Matt Moulds (c), Namatahi Waa, Josh Goodhue, Michael Stolberg, Dan Pryor, Kara Pryor, Jaycob Matiu, Sam Nock, Dan Hawkins, Filipo Nakosi, Troy Gilbert, Dave Thomas, Jone Macilai, Mathew Wright. Reserves: Jordan Olsen, Ross Wright, Matais Narvaez, Sean Sweetman, Taniela Manu, Mac Sykes, Isimeli Taqea, Jordan Hyland.
Manawatu: Fraser Armstrong, Nick Grogan, Michael Alaalatoa, Tom Parsons, Valentino Mapapalangi, Antonio Kiri Kiri, Callum Gibbins (c), Brice Henderson, Jamie Booth, Otere Black, Nathan Tudreu, Hamish Northcott, Jason Emery, Ambrose Curtis, Semisi Masirewa. Reserves: Rob Foreman, Adrian Barone, Tim Cadwallader, Fraser Stone, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Toby Morland, Jaxon Tagavaitau, Hamiora Thomas.