CHANGES IN MIDFIELD FOR WAIKATO CLASH

Head coach Steve Jackson has made one enforced change to his starting lineup for Saturday’s clash with premiership side Waikato.

An injury sustained to centre Nafi Tuitavake against Southland last week has forced Jackson to shuffle the midfield.

“Nafi’s got a high ankle sprain that’s a little worse than what we first thought so we’ve brought Niko Ratumaitavuki in. He’s done a good job for us preseason, he was supposed to start against Otago but through illness he was unable to take the field.

“I’m really looking forward to him getting out there, he’s a smart footballer, he’s strong defensively and at 12 he’ll do a good job for us. It also gives us the chance to move Pita to 13 where he can have the freedom to move on the outside of players,” Jackson said.

There’s just one change in the reserves. The front row stocks have been bolstered by the return of Adrian Smith for Silverdale’s Franck Fricconet.

“We’ve had three front-rowers injured early on so we’ve been pretty short. Adrian’s come back after a game for the B’s and he’s done everything right to get himself in contention for the ITM Cup side. He’ll add some impact when he gets his chance,” Jackson said.

Kick-off for Harbour v Waikato is at 7:35pm at QBE Stadium. General admission is $18 for adults, $5 for children.

Harbour Rugby are supporting the Cancer Society’s Daffidol Day on Friday 29 August.

Donations can be made here: https://createanevent.everydayhero.com/nz/north-harbour-rugby

QBE Harbour v Waikato

1. Greg Pleasants Tate

2. James Parsons

3. Sione Mafileo

4. Mike Farmer

5. Hayden Triggs

6. Jordan Manihera

7. Zak Judge

8. Jim Tuivaiti