Rugby: Boric back for North Harbour

All Black lock Anthony Boric has been out of action with a broken toe since April. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks lock Anthony Boric will end a long injury-enforced break when he laces his boots for North Harbour in an Air NZ Cup rugby match on Saturday.

Boric was today named in the starting 15 to play Hawke's Bay at Albany, his first outing since he broke a toe during the Super 14 competition in April.

His inclusion is one of three changes made by coach Craig Dowd as North Harbour endeavour to turn their season around.

They have had just one win in six outings and sit in 13th position among the 14 teams.

Boric's inclusion has forced Filo Paulo to the reserves bench, where he will share space with regular captain Anthony Tuitavake, who will be eased back into action after a short spell on the sidelines due to injury.

Dowd has rejigged his front row also, naming Michael Reid and loosehead prop, Ben Afeaki at tighthead and using James Afoa off the bench.

North Harbour
Rudi Wulf, Jack McPhee, George Pisi, Andrew Mailei, Ken Pisi, Ben Botica, Chris Smylie, Vili Ma'afu, Tom Chamberlain, Chris Smith (captain), Anthony Boric, James King, Ben Afeaki, Mike Mayhew, Michael Reid.

Reserves: James Hanson, James Afoa, Filo Paulo, Scott Uren, Matt France, Anthony Tuitavake, Josh York.

- NZPA