Walking wounded delay final pick

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Injury concerns have hit the North Harbour and Auckland camps before Saturday's NPC Battle of the Bridge.

North Harbour coach Wayne Shelford has named a likely starting line-up, but he has been forced to bracket a number of backline players.

After being rested from the starting line-up for last Saturday's away game against Counties Manukau, hooker Slade McFarland, loose forward Matua Parkinson, lock Matt Lord and prop Tony Woodcock are back in the rearranged forward pack.

The starting XV will be named tonight after fitness assessments at training.

Auckland have 11 players nursing injuries after their win over Taranaki in the second round of the Air New Zealand-sponsored competition.

Another sick parade will be held today before coach Wayne Pivac names his team.

Backs Steve Devine and Jeremy Stanley and hooker James Christian are causing most concern.

The team will be announced before a scheduled training session at Western Springs at 5.30 pm.

North Harbour: Glen Osborne, Karl Te Nana, Rua Tipoki/Rico Gear, Scott Adams/Gear, Tipoki/Mark Mayerhofler, Frano Botica/Willie Walker, Mark Robinson (capt), Blair Urlich, Matua Parkinson, Matt Lord, Mark Giacheri, Craig Newby, Tevita Taumoepeau, Slade McFarland, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Ace Tiatia/Joe Ward, John Buchanan, Phil Weedon, Liam Barry, Adams/Mayerhofler, Walker/Botica, Tony Alatini.