Levi engineering a career in Blue

By CHRIS RATTUE

Norm Berryman Mark II.

That's one description for Northland second five-eighth Josh Levi.

There may be some differences to their game, but at least in terms of bulk they cut similar figures.

Rugby centres never came much larger or dynamic than Berryman in his prime, although these days he is not quite the dominant figure that made him such a splash for the Crusaders a few years ago.

Instead it was Levi who caught the eye against Southland, his barrel-like frame scooting around at high speed for two early tries which brought Northland back into the game, with Berryman playing key roles in the build up.

Levi tips the scales around 109kg, the sort of weight that has made Berryman - a one-test All Black - such an unmistakable figure in various backlines.

Northland will look to Levi to break open North Harbour's defence at Albany this evening, as they seek an upset win to give their season some hope.

Levi first appeared for Counties Manukau in 1999, but ran in to problems because of his refusal to play on Sundays.

He also spent time in the South Island, staying with his cousin and Otago lock Filipo Levi, which is where he caught the eye of former Northland back Mark Seymour.

Seymour was the Southland assistant at the time, and now assists Donny Stevenson at Northland.

Levi, who was in the Blues development team this season, was lured north from Auckland, playing with the Otamatea club in the southern reaches of the province while still living in Auckland.

Levi hit 116kg during a three-month recovery from a foot injury, but looks fit again and ready to play a key role in Northland's plans for first division survival.

While Levi shone against Southland, the Northland lineout certainly did not. As a result, Stevenson has brought giant lock Brad Taylor and hooker Tim Dow into the starters.

North Harbour No 8 and captain Ron Cribb returns from suspension, but Troy Flavell remains on the bench.

Coach Russell Jones wants his side to show more of the "back to the basics" approach which brought victory against Wellington.

"We've got the ability to be flamboyant but you've got to earn the right before you start playing the miracle stuff," he said.

"We need more of that desperation."

Discarded test forwards Cribb and Flavell have been the subject of speculation that they will head overseas after this season.

North Harbour officials are refusing to comment, but it seems a logical move given their earning potential in New Zealand is dependent on All Blacks selection.

"If they go they go, but that's outside my area. We've just got to concentrate on the here and now, " said Jones.

North Harbour are without veteran hooker Slade McFarland, due to the death of his father in Australia.

North Harbour: Tusi Pisi, Rudy Wulf, Anthony Tuitavake, Andrew Mailei, Karl TeNana, Nick Evans, Chad Alcock; Ron Cribb (capt), Matua Parkinson, Craig Newby, Marty Veale, Blair Larsen, Tevita Taumoepeau, Joe Ward, Tony Woodcock.

Res: Russell King, Peter Bielski, Troy Flavell, Francis Stowers; Ben Meyer, Hosea Gear, Dan Parkinson.

Northland: Jared Going, Fero Lasagavibau, Norm Berryman, Josh Levi, Matt Faleuka, James Arlidge, Sam Payne; Jake Paringatai, Tu Tamarua, Mose Tuiali'i, Brad Taylor, Glenn Taylor (capt), Bronson Murray, Tim Dow, Tim Knight.

Res: Jason Hammond, Ted Carew, Lee Jones, Luke Ottley; Lee Peina, Jason Shoemark, Sam Davis.

Referee: Paul Honiss. Kickoff: 5.35pm. TV: Live on Sky Sport 1


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