Injury forces change in captaincy for the Taniwhas

Hayden Triggs will captain QBE Harbour tomorrow night against Northland at Toll Stadium in Whangarei due to an ankle injury to regular skipper Bryn Hall.

Hall’s omission is one of three changes to the starting XV for this ITM Cup Championship clash.

Number 8 Jimmy Tuivaiti is fully recovered from an ongoing rib injury to take his spot at the back of the scrum for the dynamic Leigh Thompson who moves to the bench.

After a successful return from injury in the 28-25 win against Hawke’s Bay, Nafi Tuitavake makes his way into the starting lineup at the expense of Luke Devcich.

Bryn Hall is replaced by David Bason at halfback.

In the reserves either Luke Hamilton or Raniera Takarangi are poised to make their first appearance of the season at halfback, while David Raikuna has recovered from illness to round out the matchday 22.

It’s a huge fixture for Harbour who sit just outside the top four in the Championship with just one match against Wellington following Friday’s encounter.

QBE Harbour v Northland

1. Greg Pleasants Tate (Takapuna)

2. James Parsons (Takapuna)

3. Nic Mayhew (Northcote)

4. Gerard Tuioti-Mariner (Massey)

5. Hayden Triggs (c) (North Shore)

6. Brandon Nansen (North Shore)

7. Josh Blucher (North Shore)

8. Jimmy Tuivaiti (Western)

9. David Bason (Western)

10. Matt McGahan (Silverdale)

11. Tevita Li (Massey)