No time for sevens players to rest on their laurels

By JOHN GASPARICH

Commonwealth Games sevens gold medallists Craig Newby and Anthony Tuitivake may have little respite before drafted back into the 15-man game.

North Harbour selector-coach Russell Jones yesterday named Newby and Tuitivake as bench replacements in the final NPC build-up match against Northland in Albany on Saturday.

"It all depends on how they come back, but they are there to cover for us in case of injury," said Jones, who has made four changes in the starting line-up to the side beaten 31-25 by Taranaki on Saturday.

Luke McAlister and Matua Parkinson return from injury at first five-eighths and openside flanker respectively.

Rodd Penney (wing) and Andrew Gallagher (flank) are promoted from the bench.

North Harbour: Nick Evans, Rodd Penney, Brad Miller, Hayden Reid, Mark Mayerhofler, Luke McAlister; Mark Robinson, Blair Urlich, Andrew Gallagher, Matt Lord, Mark Giacheri, Matua Parkinson; Tevita Taumoepeau, Slade McFarkland, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Joe Ward, Adrian Donald, Craig Newby, Tim Cowley, Chris Smylie, Tusi Pisi, David Alo or Anthony Tuitivake.