All Blacks fill the Harbour ranks

By CHRIS RATTUE

North Harbour will start their four present All Blacks when they take on Waikato at East Coast Bays tonight.

The NPC warm-up match, with All Black coach Graham Henry in attendance, will mark the return of Waikato's test lock Keith Robinson, who has been struggling with a back problem.

Waikato also include test reserve halfback Byron Kelleher, who has spent a good part of his career trying to oust Justin Marshall from the No 1 spot. Wing Roger Randle is also named, after a long absence caused by an Achilles injury.

Harbour coach Allan Pollock has named former Southland captain Steve Jackson to lead the side. Hooker Joe Ward had the job in the previous match against Northland.

All Blacks Tony Woodcock, Craig Newby, Rico Gear and Nick Evans will run on. Form club first five-eighths Tusi Pisi starts alongside Massey clubmate Junior Polu, with Luke McAlister moving to second five-eighths.

The match kicks off at Windsor Park at 7.30.

Teams

North Harbour: Nick Evans, Rico Gear, Andrew Mailei, Luke McAlister, Hosea Gear, Tusi Pisi, Junior Polu; Nick Williams, Brent Wilson, Craig Newby, Steve Jackson (c), Marty Veale, Adrian Donald, Roger Dustow, Tony Woodcock.

Waikato (from): Soseni Anesi, Brendon Leonard, Roger Randle, Filimoni Bolavucu, Solo Korovata, Mark Ranby, Pehi Te Whare, Richard Kahui, Dwayne Sweeney, David Hill, Isaac Boss, Byron Kelleher; Steven Bates, Daniel Alofa, Scott Couch, Ben McKillop, Josh Sole, Toby Lynn, Sean Hohneck, Ben Paurini, Keith Robinson, David van Eyk, David White, Greg Smith, Ryan Tohaia, David Briggs, Henry Qiodravu.