Northland bring in Auckland import for Tasman match

Northland have rushed Auckland import Tony Koonwaiyou into their starting line-up to play Tasman at Blenheim on Saturday, a game which will have a strong bearing on whether they make the national championship quarter-finals.

Koonwaiyou, 22, played his first game in six months for the Auckland development team last week after being sidelined for several months with a stress fracture, which took him out of the Crusaders squad. He will stay with Northland for the duration of the Air New Zealand Cup.

Northland are in business for a last-eight spot courtesy of their surprise 23-17 win over Taranaki in New Plymouth last week. Even if they lose to Tasman, who have All Blacks Rico Gear and Chris Jack back, they'll still be in contention going into their final repechage match against Southland in Whangarei the following weekend.

* Bay of Plenty can wrap up pool A of the repechage with a five-point win over Hawkes Bay in Mt Maunganui tomorrow night. The only change from the team who thumped Counties Manukau last week is at loose forward, where Tanerau Latimer replaces Nili Latu. Former All Black Nathan Mauger returns at centre for Hawkes Bay.

* Counties Manukau have recalled No 8 Luke Mealamu and second five-eighths Male Sa'u for the visit of Manawatu to Mt Smart Stadium tomorrow night.

* Thursday night rugby makes its debut in Invercargill tonight when Southland host Taranaki.

Southland are in the hunt for a quarter-final spot; Taranaki must win or they're history.