Preview: Northland v Taranaki

Taranaki will be looking to repel themselves away from the foot of the ITM Cup table with victory over Northland on Wednesday.

Taranaki will hope to repel themselves away from the foot of the ITM Cup with victory over Northland at Toll Stadium, Whangarei on Wednesday.

Team news sees Northland make a few changes in the forward pack, generally giving the big men a rest where possible after Saturday's match but the same backline has been retained.

Colin Cooper has made only one change from the team that beat Waikato, with James Broadhurst coming in at lock after recovering from a shoulder injury. Jason Eaton drops back to a strong bench.

Northland go into the game following a 30-22 loss to Manawatu while Taranaki beat Waikato 30-23.

The teams:

Northland: 15 Jared Payne (capt), 14 Lachie Munro, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Aaron Bancroft, 11 Bryce Heem, 10 Jack McPhee, 9 Rhyan Caine, 8 Cameron Eyre, 7 Dan Pryor, 6 Joel McKenty, 5 Bryce Williams, 4 Mark Burman, 3 Scott Vessey, 2 Ross Wright, 1 Justin Davies.
Replacements: 16 Tim Dow, 17 Jamie Corsi, 18 Dan Faleafa, 19 Cam Goodhue, 20 Wayne Ngaluafe, 21 Ash Moeke, 22 Simon Munro, 23 Aterea Davis.

Taranaki: 15 Andre Taylor. 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Isaia Tuifua, 12 Jayden Hayward, 11 Jackson Ormond, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Tyson Keats, 8 Samuela Vunisa, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Ben Souness, 5 Craig Clarke (capt), 4 James Broadhurst, 3 Michael Bent, 2 Laurence Corlett, 1 Carl Carmichael.
Replacements: 16 Mahonri Schwalger, 17 Shane Cleaver, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Chris Walker, 20 Brett Goodin, 21 Jack Cameron, 22 George Pisi, 23 Willie Ioane.

Referee: Shaun Elliott