Rugby: Reihana running at pivot

Bruce Reihana will make his second start in the No 10 jersey this season for Waikato in their final NPC warm-up rugby match against North Harbour today.

While coach Kiwi Searancke is not attaching much significance to the selection, it does point to a less-than-settled look to the team's starting lineup in certain positions.

Reihana played at first five-eighths in the Ranfurly Shield challenge against North Otago in Oamaru a month ago, scoring 35 points.

North Harbour have bracketed Marc Ellis and Willie Walker at first five-eighths and will play former hooker Slade McFarland at prop. The match starts at 12.30 pm.

Meanwhile, a third Auckland rugby player, Rico Gear, has signed with Bay of Plenty for the NPC campaign.

Gear, one of the star members of the Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning New Zealand Sevens side, follows lock Jason Chandler and former All Black midfielder Eroni Clarke to the Bay.

Waikato: Todd Miller, Roger Randle, Scott McLeod, Damian Karauna, Mark Ranby, Bruce Reihana, Rhys Duggan, Deon Muir (captain), Scott Couch, Tony Petero, Chresten Davis, Jono Gibbes, Paul Martin, Greg Smith, Deacon Manu. Reserves: Grant McQuoid, Haden Hireme, Glen Jackson, Ben Willis, Nick Holten, Royce Willis, Tony Philp, Guy Coleman.

North Harbour: Jeremy Coulter, Karl TeNana, Scott Adams, Aisea Tuilevu, Walter Little, Marc Ellis/Willie Walker, Mark Robinson, Blair Urlich, Matua Parkinson, Jeff Fahrenson, Philip Weedon, Eddie Rawiri, Slade McFarland, Ace Tiatia, Dean Thompson. Reserves: Jock Backett, Walker/Ellis, Aidan Vince, Monaco Tonga, Matt Lord, Tony Woodcock, Fosi Pala'amo.

- NZPA