KEY POINTS:
Wayne Pivac was probably the least surprised man in the country when news filtered through that North Harbour's star back Anthony Tuitavake had fractured his cheekbone in the All Blacks' mid-week victory over Samoa.
Pivac greeted the news that the inspirational Tuitavake would be sidelined for six weeks, most likely ruling him out of the business end of Harbour's national championship campaign, with a weary resignation.
But just when Harbour had instilled new life into their season with two battling victories in succession, the injury curse that has plagued them during Pivac's tenure and already claimed George Pisi and Nick Williams for the season, rose up to claim Tuitavake.
"It is very disappointing. We were looking forward to getting through the next couple of weeks then getting some All Blacks back and having a charge for the eight. Obviously it is a bit of a blow losing Anthony but we are sort of used to injuries, to be quite honest. We've had a few over the past 12 months so it is just another one to add to the list," Pivac said.
Harbour have short-term worries too, with wing Viliame Waqaseduadua sidelined by a groin strain suffered in last week's victory over Manawatu. But the news isn't all bad with utility back Jack McPhee, one of the standouts in last season's disappointing campaign, back to face Canterbury at North Harbour Stadium tonight.
The loss of Waqaseduadua has seen Hayden Abercrombie retained at fullback and McPhee on the wing.
Injury-free they may not be but Harbour have at least shown signs of being made of sterner stuff this season. They lost their first three games on the trot but never by more than seven points, meaning they picked up valuable bonus points.
Even their victories have been tight affairs - last week's 20-17 win over Manawatu and a fourth-round 15-10 slog against Waikato - but Pivac has taken heart from the fact they have been in the hunt in every match.
"Last year we had a couple of blowouts. Against Wellington we were down by 30 points at half time and obviously [the Ranfurly Shield defeat by] Waikato was a big flop. This year the team is showing a bit more character, even without some of the superstars.
"What we've got is a bunch of guys who are pretty keen to pull the jersey on and give it their best shot. We may lack the firepower of some of the players we had last year but certainly the attitude of the group and the team spirit is very good."
That spirit will be sorely tested today by a Canterbury team that has won four straight to move to second on the ladder after beginning the season with a first-round flop against Manawatu.
Another bonus point or two today against a Canterbury side that welcomes back first five eighths Stephen Brett for the first time this season would not represent a bad return.
Albany Stadium, 5.35 today H. Abercrombie
NORTH HARBOUR
Jack McPhee
Mike Harris
Jon Elrick
Nafi Tuitavake
J. Gopperth (c)
Chris Smylie
Viliame Maafu
Malakai Ravulo
Tom Chamberlain
Martin Purdy
Chris Smith
Michael Reid
James Hinchco
James Afoa
CANTERBURY
Colin Slade
Scott Hamilton
Adam Whitelock
Ryan Crotty
Paul Williams
Stephen Brett
Tyson Keats
Mose Tuiali'i
Hayden Hopgood
Kieran Read (c)
Isaac Ross
Michael Paterson
C. Johnstone
Tii Paulo
Wyatt Crockett
North Harbour: James Parsons, Sam Biddles, Richard Mayhew, Robbie Colhoun, Matt France, Josh York, Jona Tuitoga.
Canterbury: Steve Fualau, Owen Franks, Nasi Manu, George Whitelock, Steve Alfeld, Tim Bateman, James Paterson.
