Maling misses Harbour clash

All Black lock Simon Maling was yesterday ruled out of Otago's match against North Harbour at Albany tomorrow night.

Maling damaged a calf muscle in the game against Waikato last week and did not come through training satisfactorily.

He was in outstanding form against Waikato and his loss through injury is a blow to the struggling Otago side.

The scrum will now be locked by James Ryan and Filipo Levi, with Warren Smith being brought into the reserves.

Aisea Tuilevu has been recalled to the Otago team for his first game of the season after an injury-plagued year. He replaces Ben Smith.

The Fijian international has played 15 matches for Otago in previous seasons, but a knee injury has restricted his rugby so far this year.

"Tuilevu's been struggling with the knee injury, but he's been back playing for the development side in the last two or three weeks and we now think his fitness is up to scratch," Otago coach Wayne Graham said.

The other confirmed changes are the return after injury of Shaun Webb and the recall of Levi.

Webb, who replaces Mathew Berquist at first five-eighths, made a promising start for Otago, but has missed the last two games because of concussion.

"Shaun's been passed fit and he's available," Graham said.

"It's great to have him back. He's trained well and he's fully fit."

Josh Blackie, who is recovering from a neck strain, has been bracketed on the blindside flank with Adam Thomson.

Levi will start his first game since the national championship opener against Northland.

"Filipo's been struggling with a wrist injury, but he's fit now, so he gets his chance," Graham said.

Jason Kawau retains his place at second five-eighths ahead of the more experienced John Leslie and Ryan Nicholas.

"We're picking on form and for the future," Graham said.


- NZPA

* Check nzherald.co.nz/rugby for match results and reports this weekend

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