KEY POINTS:
Former All Blacks wing Caleb Ralph is poised to make his first appearance for Tasman after being named on the bench for their fourth round Air NZ Cup rugby match against Northland in Whangarei on Thursday night.
On loan from Canterbury, Ralph will make his first appearance since the Super 14 ended in May, and shapes as a ready made replacement for Canterbury-domiciled former All Black Rico Gear.
Last year's first choice halfback Kahn Fotuali'i is also named among the reserves for what will be his comeback from a broken hand sustained against Southland pre-season.
In the only injury-enforced change from the side that beat Hawke's 23-17 in Blenheim last Friday Blair Cook comes on to the wing for Afeleke Pelenisi, who is resting a minor leg injury.
World Cup bound All Blacks lock Chris Jack is replaced in the second row by Nathan George.
Tasman: Robbie Malneek, Blair Cook, Andrew Goodman, Joel Iggo, Kade Poki, Tim Taylor, Lualua Vailoaloa, Peter Nixon, Jonathan Poff, Alex Ainley (captain), Nathan George, Chris Bentley, Ben Franks, Mark Stewart, Ben May.
Reserves: Steve Fualau, Tristan Moran, Kahu Marfell, Mark Bright, Kahn Fotuali'i, James Foote, Caleb Ralph.
- NZPA
