Two changes in Harbour lineup for Albany clash

North Harbour have made one enforced change, but have two names bracketed in the side announced last night for Saturday's NPC clash with Canterbury at Albany.

With Luke McAlister on the All Blacks bench for the Tri-Nations test at Carisbrook, first five-eighths duties will rest with either Tusi Pisi or Jon Elrick.

That decision, which might be left until Saturday, is linked to who will play at fullback, where George Pisi and Andrew Whiteman are tagged.

The choice revolves around kicking, both for goal and out of the hand.

Of the No 15s, Whiteman is a tidy goalkicker, whereas George Pisi does not kick for goal.

Whiteman played in the opening-round loss to Auckland but an injury restricted his training before the 29-16 win over Wellington in the capital last Friday night.

Pisi stepped in and impressed. If he holds his place, it enhances Elrick's chances of being named at No 10, as he is regarded as a superior kicker to Tusi Pisi, who had first dibs on the first five-eighths job against Auckland.

The pack, which is a big, hardworking unit, remains unchanged for the third straight week.

Harbour's young players should have grown in confidence with the win over Wellington. But defending champions Canterbury will be a better benchmark for how Harbour are progressing at this stage of the championship.

* Albany, 4.35pm Saturday

North Harbour

G Pisi/A Whiteman
V Waqaseduadua
A Tuitavake
Rua Tipoki (c)
Zar Lawrence
T Pisi/J Elrick
J Poluleiligaga
Nick Williams
Tom Harding
Brent Wilson
G Rawlinson
Marty Veale
Mike Noble
Joe Ward
Tony Coughlan

Reserves: Roger Dustow, Adrian Donald, Anthony Boric, Rodney Voullaire, Craig McGrath, T. Pisi or Elrick, G. Pisi or Whiteman.