This Sunday QBE Harbour will again be without influential captain James Parsons as they take on the Southland Stags who will be backing after after their first win of the season against Bay of Plenty on Wednesday. Parsons who suffered a head knock against Manawatu will be given another week to get right - seeing stand-in Hooker Adrian Smith, normally a prop replacing him. "We have every confidence in Adrian who is one of more experienced front rowers" says Head Coach Steve Jackson "Adrian came on in the capacity last week, we were very happy with what he provided and have no issues with him starting this weekend."
In other changes Brandon Nansen comes back into the starting line-up pushing Chris Vui to his favoured 6 position and Matt Duffie comes back after a week on the sidelines to take up the wing slot - leaving Matt McGahan at Fullback. The veteran Chris Smylie gets his first start of the season, favoured over Bryn Hall who will come off the bench.
"Southland will have their tails up that is for sure" commented Jackson "it aways feels good to notch that first win, so they will come here with some confidence." With the All Blacks heading off shore this weekend, Lima Sopoaga and Elliot Dixon will be missing from their side - albeit only the latter played in last Wednesday's clash.
The game is at QBE Stadium on Sunday - 2.35pm kick-off.
The QBEHarbour side is as follows:
16. Kalem Chan Boon - East Coast Bays; 17. Hani FATAI - East Coast Bays; 18. Karl TU'INUKUAFE - Takapuna ; 19. Glen PRESTON - Marist; 20. Hapakuki MOALA-LIAVAA - Massey; 21. Bryn HALL - Northcote; 22. Daniel HILTON-JONES - North Shore; 23. Afa FAATAU - Northcote
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