Northland look to plug gaps

By CHRIS RATTUE

Northland v Otago

Northland have pulled a late positional switch in their backline in an attempt to fix their defensive woes.

After passing a fitness test on a foot injury, usual wing Matt Faleuka has been shifted to centre where he will partner Jason Shoemark against Otago tonight.

Norm Berryman and Josh Levi have proved to be weak on defence, unable to cope with the pace and agility of opponents.

Levi is in the reserves and Berryman goes out to the wing, where he started his career for the province 12 years ago.

Coach Donny Stevenson still wants Berryman to bring his power and vision infield to steer the attacking game, particularly in running the Otago kicks back in Whangarei tonight.

But the pressure will be on Shoemark and Faleuka to put the brakes on Ryan Nicholas, Seilala Mapusua and company if Northland are to cause an upset. Faleuka plays his club rugby at centre and prefers the position to wing.

Otago have "rested" Tony Brown in the reserves, as they ease him back after his back/hamstring problems and the 20-year-old Matt Berquist make his debut at first five-eighths, and handle the goalkicking.

The slight but slippery Glen Horton, who proved difficult to nail when he ran the ball back at North Harbour, retains the fullback spot ahead of Willie Walker and No.8 Samiu Vahafolau gets his first start of the year against the province where he made a name when on loan from Auckland, three years ago. Vahafolau's career has never kicked on as many believed that it would, with work rate and ball retention problem areas.

Northland: Jared Going, Fero Lasagavibau, Matt Faleuka, Jason Shoemark, Norm Berryman, James Arlidge, Sam Payne; Lee Jones, Luke Ottley, Mose Tuiali'i, Glenn Taylor (capt, Brad Taylor, Ted Carew, Jason Hammond, Bronson Murray. Res: Tim Dow, Tim Knight, Tu Tamarua, Willie Brame; Lee Peina, Josh Levi, Sam Davis.

Otago: Glen Horton, Neil Brew, Seilala Mapusua, Ryan Nicholas, Matt Saunders, Mathew Berquist, Danny Lee; Samiu Vahafolau, Josh Blackie, Kelvin Middleton (capt), Peter Bowden, Filipo Levi, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Joe McDonnell. Res: Tom Willis, Ben Nolan, Tom Donnelly, Sam Harding; Cory Brown, Tony Brown, Willie Walker.

Referee: Steve Walsh. Kickoff: 7.35pm.

NPC points table