Air NZ Cup preview: Returning son will spice up encounter

North Harbour v Otago
2.35pm, North Harbour Stadium

The lowdown: Nick Evans will return to his homeland to remind Harbour and the Blues what they missed out on when they let him go south in 2004. The 26-year-old first five-eighths has developed into arguably the best in the business - behind the resting Dan Carter, of course - and the fortunes of Otago rest a lot on his classy shoulders.

Although Harbour finished second behind Auckland in Pool A, they take the same number of points (23) as Otago into the second round. Considering they go into the round as the fourth and fifth-ranked sides, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them contest a quarter-final when the Air NZ Cup finally gets down to business. Allan Pollock's side were largely unspectacular in their last outing, a 28-6 win over Manawatu, but they have a relatively settled side and centre Anthony Tuitavake, who spent the last Super 14 in Dunedin, has been one of the competition's form players.

Look out for: Seilala Mapusua. The match is the last the second five-eighths will play for Otago before he joins London Irish. Mapusua has played 73 games for Otago and made 51 appearances for the Highlanders.

What we think: Harbour by a Richard Loe whisker. Otago have to contend with coming off the bye and only Waikato and Auckland have won after having the weekend off.

North Harbour - George Pisi, Vili Waqaseduadua, Anthony Tuitavake, Rua Tipoki (c), Rudi Wulf, Tusi Pisi, James Rodley, Nick Williams, Regan Tamihere, Anthony Boric, Doug Fletcher, Ryan Wilson, Mike Noble, Roger Dustow, Adrian Donald, Michael Reid. Reserves: James Hinchco, Vili Ma'afu, Francis Stowers, Junior Poluleuligaga, Joel Nasmith, Jonah Lomu.

Otago - Glen Horton, Ben Smith, Neil Brew, Seilala Mapusua, Greg Zampach, Nick Evans, Chris Smylie, Adam Thomson, Josh Blackie (c), Alando Soakai, Tom Donnelly, Filipo Levi, Chris King, Jed Vercoe, Keith Cameron. Reserves: Jason Macdonald, Grant Polson, Pelu Pavihi, Ezra Taylor, Toby Morland, Callum Bruce, Craig Clare.