Harbour look to import

By CHRIS RATTUE

As one South African rises, another falls.

Former Super 12 halfback Chad Alcock has made the North Harbour squad for Saturday evening's clash against Southland in Invercargill.

And the 30-year-old, who has toured with an Emerging Springboks team, could play a key part in North Harbour's season which has begun with losses to Bay of Plenty and Auckland.

Alcock's compatriot, lock Greg Rawlinson, has been ruled out after he was concussed against Auckland. Craig Newby (knee) is also sidelined.

North Harbour have had a steady trickle of quality overseas guests in recent seasons, although that is not necessarily a healthy sign for the union.

It means players - and especially locks - have come and gone without contributing to the long-term building of the side.

Last season, Australian Tim Walsh replaced Luke McAlister at first five-eighths, but has not returned. Now it appears Alcock, who arrived 10 days ago, is close to unseating Ben Meyer at halfback.

Alcock and Meyer were tentatively bracketed for the match, although coach Russell Jones said that Meyer would probably start.



Alcock is known as a dynamic runner, and Harbour are also looking to improve clearance of the ball from the ruck area.

Alcock made his Currie Cup debut in 1996 and has played for the Cats and Sharks.

With Newby out, Matua Parkinson starts and B flanker John Tuamoneda joins the reserves.

The teams are: Southland: Graydon Stainiforth, Mana Harrison, Gavin Williams, Seremaia Bai, Hayden Martine, Richard Apanui, Jimmy Cowan; Paul Miller/Pita Wilson, Ben Herring, Wilson/Hale T-Pole, Steve Jackson (c), Hoani Macdonald, Brett Roberts, Jason Rutledge, Clarke Dermody. Res: David Hall, Keith Cameron, Roger Newell, T-Pole/Iona Sipa; Jason Harrison, James Wilson, James Jowsey.

North Harbour: Tusi Pisi, Karl TeNana, Anthony Tuitavake, Andrew Mailei, Nick Evans, Luke McAlister, Ben Meyer; Ron Cribb (c), Matua Parkinson, Troy Flavell, Marty Veale, Blair Larsen, Tevita Taumoepeau, Slade McFarland, Tony Woodcock. Res: Joe Ward, Peter Bielski, Francis Stowers, John Tuamoneda; Chad Alcock, Rudy Wulf, Dan Parkinson.