Halfback Takerei Norton will make his Canterbury debut when starting in the ITM Cup match against North Harbour at AMI Stadium on Friday night.
Norton, 31 (pictured), who is from the Linwood club, has returned from a hamstring strain.
Others returning from injury are loose forward Nasi Manu, who injured a knee in the pre-season game against Tasman on July 16, and wing Patrick Osborne, who injured a hip in the season opener against Hawke’s Bay.
Both players have been named on the reserves bench.
Hooker Corey Flynn and lock Sam Whitelock have been released from All Blacks duties and will start the match, as will Robbie Fruean, who made a big impact at centre when coming on as a replacement in the first half against Manawatu last week.
Fruean scored two tries in what was his Canterbury debut.
Midfielder Sonny Bill Williams, who made his New Zealand rugby debut last weekend when turning out for his Belfast club, is not available for selection due to a tight hamstring.
Canterbury head coach Rob Penney is looking for improvements for this game after two tight matches – a draw against Hawke’s Bay and a one-point win over Manawatu.
He said: “We’ve identified certain things that we want to see. Having Corey and Sam back in the mix is great for us as they will add a lot of enthusiasm and confidence to the guys.”
Canterbury will be aiming to win back the Kevin Gimblett Memorial Trophy from North Harbour. The trophy has been up for grabs in Canterbury v Harbour matches since 2005.
Kevin Gimblett, a second-five, was a Canterbury and Linwood club stalwart.
He went on to manage the Harbour representative side for four years and also the New Zealand Under-19s and Under-21s manager.
It will be flanker Matt Todd’s blazer game (12th) for Canterbury.
Corey and Robbie Flynn are cousins.
The Canterbury team to play North Harbour at AMI Stadium on Friday August 13, kick-off 7.35pm, is:
- Wyatt Crockett
- Corey Flynn
- Pete Borlase
- Sam Whitelock
- Isaac Ross
- Matt Todd
- George Whitelock (c)
- Ash Parker
- Takerei Norton
- Colin Slade
- Sam Monaghan
- Stephen Brett
- Robbie Fruean
- Telusa Veainu
- Sean Maitland
Reserves:
- Paul Ngauamo
- Andrew Olorenshaw
- Luke Romano
- Nasi Manu
- Andy Ellis
- Robbie Flynn
- Patrick Osborne
Unavailable due to injury: midfielder Adam Whitelock (concussion), midfielder Sonny Bill Williams (hamstring), halfback Willi Heinz (hand), midfielder Ryan Crotty (foot), wing/centre Tu Umaga-Marshall (hamstring), hooker Steve Fualau (hamstring), lock Rob Verbakel (shin).
Unavailable due to All Blacks commitments: Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Brad Thorn, Kieran Read, Owen Franks.