Say what you like about the quality of Harbour's rugby over their 320 minutes so far, but spectators can't complain at the number of tries their games have produced.
Harbour have scored 12 and conceded 17, making it an average of seven tries a game, which offers decent bang for the viewing dollar. Neutrals may be enjoying it, but Harbour's coaches, Liam Barry and Jeff Wilson, won't - at least the 17 part of that equation.
Nine players survive from the 39-10 beating from Hawkes Bay last week, while Nafi Tuitavake switches from centre to wing, allowing space for classy Rudi Wulf to return in No 13.
Fijian international Malakai Ravulo gets his chance on the openside flank, Solomon King returns on the blindside, lock James King misses out through injury and tighthead Ben Afeaki is the only front row survivor.
Manawatu will be buoyed by their backline organiser Aaron Cruden passing a fitness test to start tonight.
Manawatu sit second behind Hawkes Bay, but it's tight with Otago and Counties Manukau just a point back, and Northland two adrift.
It sounds a broken record, but Harbour can put some pep back into their campaign with a win tonight, but they will need more poise, defensive organisation and attacking thrust.
In tonight's early game, Hawkes Bay host bottom-placed Tasman.
NORTH HARBOUR
Albany, 8.05 tonight
Codey Rei
David Raikuna
Rudi Wulf
Luke McAlister
Nafi Tuitavake
Willie Walker
Chris Smylie (c)
Mat Luamanu
Malakai Ravulo
Solomon King
Filo Paulo
Chris Smith
Ben Afeaki
James Parsons
Tony Woodcock
North Harbour: Manu Leiataua, James Afoa, Irwin Finau, Brent Wilson, Brenton Helleur, Pita Ahki, Ken Pisi, Taione Vea.
MANAWATU
N. Milner-Skudder
Aseli Tikoirotuma
Johnny Leota
Francis Bryant
Tomasi Cama
Aaron Cruden
Aaron Smith
Hamish Gosling
Calum Gibbins
Nick Crosswell (c)
Michael Fitzgerald
Fraser Stone
Ma'afu Fia
Rob Foreman
Grant Polson
Manawatu: Bryn Templeman, Jared Brock, Reece Robinson, James Oliver, Isaac Thompson, Lewis Marshall, Casey Stone, Peni Kaufusi.
