Gatland takes long-term view

Waikato will have an unfamiliar look against Northland in Whangarei tomorrow as coach Warren Gatland gets out his binoculars to look longer term.

He has made several changes designed to test the depth of his squad for the business end of the NPC in October.

So out go regular second five-eighths David Hill, centre Mark Ranby, halfback Isaac Boss - who heads for Ireland in a few weeks anyway - prop Deacon Manu and lock Toby Lynn. All Blacks Marty Holah and Sione Lauaki are in Dunedin for the Tri-Nations test.

However test wing Sitiveni Sivivatu is back after injury, as is experienced Keith Lowen at centre with Derek Maisey getting his chance at No 12.

Brendon Leonard takes over at halfback, Phil Toleafoa starts at loosehead prop and Nathan White at tighthead, and Dave Faville gets another opportunity at openside flanker.

Lock Marc Morunga, who came off the bench in the 14-12 squeeze against Southland last Sunday, starts alongside Sean Hohneck, who missed the Southland match with a late ankle injury.

"It is important we develop the talent we have in this Waikato squad," Gatland said, "and that we get to see most of these players in a match rather than just seeing them out on the training field."

Northland coach Bruce Hodder has rejigged his loose forward mix and brought Jared Going in at fullback as they seek their first win of the competition.

Matt Faleuka moves from fullback to centre, replacing Quin Butler, who has a finger injury but is on the bench. In a case of musical chairs, hard-running Jake Paringatai moves from No 6 to No 8, and Aaron Wright comes in as openside flanker in place of Allen Tubbs, who switches to No 6, with Fijian Mesake Davu dropping to the bench.

* Southland have made two changes for their trip to Eden Park on Sunday. Richard Apanui is back at first five-eighths in place of Matt Petre, after a shoulder injury sidelined him for the first two rounds.

Daniel Quate is at lock, replacing the injured Kane Thompson, who was on loan from Wellington and might be recalled north as they have lock/loose forward injury worries.

Auckland won't finalise their lineup until this morning but there will be changes from the team who beat Otago last weekend. Joe Rokocoko and Doug Howlett are on All Black duty, and prop Saimone Taumoepeau does not play on Sundays.

* Winless Bay of Plenty have made two changes for Taranaki's visit on Sunday. Wing David Johnston and halfback Charles Hubbard are the only alterations to the starting XV beaten 40-13 by Canterbury a week ago.

Taranaki have Super 12 pair Chris Masoe and Sailosi Takicakibau back from injury at No 8 and wing respectively, and James King will get his first chance in the starting XV at halfback ahead of Craig Fevre.

* Ma'a Nonu moves out to centre as Wellington host Otago tonight. Tane Tuipulotu comes back at No 12, with Conrad Smith ruled out. Regular lock Luke Andrews is at blindside flanker, covering for injured Kristian Ormsby.

Both teams have a win and a loss from the opening two rounds.