Rugby: Harbour changes things up to find a win

Tevita Li has been moved to the bench for tonight's clash. Photo / Getty Images

North Harbour coach Steve Jackson has made no less than eight changes as the Championship cellar-dwellers seek a winning formula ahead of tonight's clash with the Manawatu Turbos in Albany.

Tighthead prop Alex Woonton is replaced by either Nic Mayhew or Sione Mafileo, while Massey club lock Gerard Tuioti-Mariner comes in for the injured Mike Farmer. Irwin Finau replaces Jordan Manihera on the blindside.

The issue in the first three games was one of execution in the backline and some poor decision-making, while the forwards were industrious. But Bay of Plenty exposed some issues at scrumtime in the 21-14 loss on Sunday in Rotorua, and so Jackson has not spared his pack with his selections.

First five Matt McGahan, who has not yet played with the authority expected of a player with his talent, drops to the bench and former Waratahs No 10 Daniel Halangahu makes his second start of the season.

Matt Vaega, son of former Manu Samoa centre To'o Vaega, makes his debut as a loan player from Auckland in the No 13 jersey. New Zealand Under 20s and Blues wing Tevita Li, who has yet to catch fire this season, also finds himself on the pine.

Halfback and captain Bryn Hall was candid in his weekly Captain's Call column.

"The changing rooms in Rotorua were not the place to be at 6pm on Sunday as some home truths let rip. (You could probably say it was where we needed to be!) That was followed by a very sombre bus ride back to Auckland. We know we have dug ourselves a huge hole, one that only we individually and collectively can climb ourselves out of.

"Rather than 'flush it down the dunny' we need to heed the lessons from last few weeks, and quickly. I repeat: this squad has the ability... we just need to get it together. We are desperate to do just that."

The Manawatu Turbos have shown plenty of mettle this season, and lead the Championship with a 4-1 record. Kickoff is at 6.05pm. Last year Manawatu edged North Harbour 15-12 in Palmerston North.

In the later, 8.05pm, game tonight, Premiership leaders Canterbury host the winless Wellington Lions.