Tipoki talks up 'devastating' team-mate Tuitavake

Rua Tipoki hasn't seen a centre to match the devastating touch of the man outside him in the North Harbour backline this season.

Tipoki and Anthony Tuitavake have provided a tough defensive screen and explosive attacking moments as Harbour have positioned themselves just in behind the pacesetters going into tonight's match against Otago at Carisbrook.

Tuitavake, returning to his Super 12 patch after being picked up in the draft for the Highlanders this year, has scored three tries for Harbour, who top the first division tryscoring list with 17, and Tipoki believes the All Black selectors must have taken notice with the Grand Slam tour in mind.

"He's awesome at the moment. On fire," Tipoki said. "I haven't seen any other centres doing the things he's doing. In fact, I've had to have a couple of words with him to pull him back. This hasn't just happened automatically. He's putting in a lot of extra work and he's super sharp."

Harbour have won their last two clashes, including a 49-18 towelling at Carisbrook in 2003, and have Luke McAlister back to run things.

They have done well after their opening-round blip against Auckland. Coach Allan Pollock targeted 28 points at the start of the campaign. They have accumulated 12. Victory tonight will announce the young Harbour side as more than just early-season high-flyers and enhance their claims as strong semifinal contenders.

* New Northland coach Bryce Woodward has done some rejigging for the visit of defending champions Canterbury. Manu Burkhardt-McRae moves to fullback with Jared Going coming in at centre. He has rotated his back three, with Jake Paringatai moving to blindside flank, Luke Otley to No 8 and Allen Tubbs to openside flank.

Woodward, who has replaced Bruce Hodder and is back after a 2 1/2-year absence, bracketed his three lock options; and has his fingers crossed that first-choice tighthead prop Stan Wright is fit after damaging his shoulder.

Canterbury will be captained by Caleb Ralph, for an injured Reuben Thorne, in the unusual position of second five-eighth. Canterbury have seven changes.

* Halfback Kevin Senio is back for Bay of Plenty's trip to Wellington tomorrow and coach Vern Cotter has introduced centre Rena Schuster to add some starch to the midfield. Schuster came off the bench against Auckland last weekend and made some impact.

All Black Conrad Smith returns at centre for Wellington.