Rugby: Switch to centre big chance for Toeava

Isaia Toeava. Photo / Getty Images

As the All Blacks search for midfield help for their next test, Isaia Toeava has been given another chance to promote his credentials.

The utility will play centre for Auckland and mark the improved Cory Aporo when they host unbeaten Bay of Plenty on Sunday.

Auckland coach Mark Anscombe said he was not acting on any instructions from the national selectors in switching Toeava from fullback to centre - it suited his plans for the match.

Toeava will be one of the contenders for the All Blacks' next Tri-Nations test against the Springboks on September 12 because Luke McAlister has a fractured cheekbone and Conrad Smith has a hamstring problem.

For Auckland, Toeava will replace Winston Stanley, struggling with a few niggling complaints, at centre while Paul Williams will be used at fullback.

"Because of the lack of time, we felt it would be easier to slot Toeava back in at centre where he has played a great deal anyway.

"He played all the Super 14 there, he knows the role and while he is still not 100 per cent fit [after a stress fracture in his foot] he will do a very good job for us there."

Auckland will reclaim All Black wing Joe Rokocoko and prop John Afoa for the last game in round five but loose forward Jerome Kaino will probably bypass the match after his recent workload.

"We might make a couple of changes in the forwards but we have not decided on that yet," Anscombe said.

The Bay will also have All Black flanker Tanerau Latimer available when they choose their side later in the week.

* New North Harbour captain Chris Smith will lead a side with multiple changes for tomorrow's match at Albany against Southland.

Regular skipper Anthony Tuitavake is injured, replaced by brother Nafi, while the side welcomes openside flanker Tom Chamberlain back for his first game this season after concussion.

Halfback Chris Smylie also returns after hamstring problems.

Ben Botica will start his first game for the province, after 10 minutes off the bench last week, wearing the No 10 jersey made famous for the province by his All Black father, Frano.

Albany, 7.35pm tomorrow

NORTH HARBOUR
Jack McPhee
Nafi Tuitavake
George Pisi
Mike Harris
Rudi Wulf
Ben Botica
Chris Smylie
Vili Ma'afu
Tom Chamberlain
Chris Smith (c)
Filo Paulo
James King,
Ben Afeaki
Michael Mayhew
Mike Reid

SOUTHLAND
Mark Wells
Matt Saunders
Kenny Lynn
Jason Kawau
Pehi Te Whare
James Wilson
Scott Cowan
Hua Tamariki
Tim Boys
John Hardie
Joe Tuineau
Josh Bekhuis
Fai Mika
Jason Rutledge
Jamie Mackintosh (c)

North Harbour: Ken Pisi, Andrew Mailei, Matt France, James Hanson, James Afoa, Richard Mayhew, Robbie Colhoun/Malakai Ravulo.

Southland: Brayden Mitchell, Chris King, Dave Gannon, Noa Soqeta, Sonny Rangitoheriri, Seminar Manu, Tony Koonwaiyou.