Luke McAlister will start at second-five for North Harbour for the first time this season at Bay of Plenty on Saturday, after missing the first two games of the season.
McAlister missed training in week one of the ITM Cup and wasn't selected for those matches, Harbour getting a thrashing away to Otago then dishing out a 24-point hiding to Tasman at home on Tuesday.
Regular centre Rudi Wulf is unavailable for the Steamers match at Mount Maunganui late Saturday afternoon, due to a shoulder injury picked up in the Tasman win.
Wulf's place has been taken by Nafi Tuitavake while Blues lock Filo Paulo will start after recovering from a long term injury.
Halfback Brenton Helleur is on the bench after playing his part in Samoa's historic win over Australia.
James Afoa will start at loosehead prop, James Parsons returns to the hooking role and Scott Uren is the openside flanker.
North Harbour:
1. James Afoa - Northcote
2. James Parsons - Takapuna
3. Ben Afeaki - Marist
4. James King - North Shore
5. Filo Paulo - Mahurangi
6. Solomon King - Takapuna
7. Scott Uren - Marist
8. Mat Luamanu - North Shore
9. Chris Smylie - Massey (capt)
10. Ben Botica - North Shore
11. David Raikuna - Western Pioneers
12. Luke McAlister - Silverdale
13. Nafi Tuitavake - Massey
14. Ken Pisi - Massey
15. Willie Walker - North Shore
Reserves:
16. Manu Leiataua - Mahurangi (hooker)
17. Taione Vea - Western Pioneers (prop)
18. Chris Smith - Takapuna
19. Brent Wilson - Takapuna
20. Brenton Helleur - Takapuna
21. Brendon Watt - North Shore
22. Codey Rei - East Coast Bays
23. Michael Reid - Marist (prop)
