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The unusual scheduling of the Mitre 10 Cup means that two teams, Northland and Otago, will have two matches in Week 3. Josh Larsen made his first start for Northland on Wednesday in Dunedin, where Otago got the better of the Taniwha by a score of 33-28. Larsen could get a second run-out on Saturday when Northland play Canterbury in Whangarei.
Taking place earlier today was Hawke’s Bay and Counties Manukau in Napier, but neither Tony Lamborn nor Toni Pulu were in action. PRO Rugby standout Bill Fukofuka will start on the blindside flank for Southland against Auckland on Friday. US-eligible three-quarter Pasqualle Dunn should make his Auckland debut from the bench.
Saturday will see Chris Baumann making his third consecutive start at tighthead for Wellington. The Lions look to rebound from the loss to Otago against North Harbour at Westpac Stadium. Tasman have yet to name their team to play Taranki, while Jake Ilnicki’s Manawatu play Waikato on Sunday.
Two players of interest will take part in Round 2 of Australia’s National Rugby Championship. James Hilterbrand is a reserve hooker again for Sydney Rays against the Perth Spirit on Friday. Canadian-eligible prop Les Leulua’iali’i-Makin will be on the bench this week for UC Vikings when they take on NSW Country Eagles on Sunday.
