Baker returns for Manawatu
Kurt Baker is set to don the Manawatu Turbos’ fullback jersey for the first time since 2009.
Baker is one of three changes to the Turbos’ starting side to face Tasman in Palmerston North on Sunday.
The 28-year-old is a direct replacement for Nehe Milnerskudder after he was called back into the All Blacks squad earlier this week.
Baker received international clearance from World Rugby on Thursday morning to get out of his deal with Italian club Zebre and start playing for the Turbos.
He has been training with the team since early July.
Manawatu had been waiting for the clearance to come through for much of the preseason, with Zebre opposing it.
Baker, a former New Zealand Sevens star, played 16 games for Manawatu in 2008 and 2009.
But he left for Taranaki in 2010, registering 57 games.
He also played 10 games for the Highlanders between 2012 and 2015.
In 2016 he was a surprising omission from the New Zealand Olympic Sevens team and later in the year he set off for Italy.
But now back with his home province, Baker brings some much-needed experience to the Turbos’ backline.
That backline could include Hamish Northcott.
The 36-game Turbos midfielder has been bracketed at second fiveeighth with Curtis Reid.
Northcott missed much of the preseason and last week’s match with concussion after a head knock with lock Tom Hughes at a training session.
His defensive prowess would be a major boost for the Turbos, who leaked six tries against Wellington.
The other change to the starting also side sees Crusaders prop Michael Alaalatoa return after being rested last week.
He will start at tighthead prop at the expense of Sean Paranihi, who impressed in his first match for the province.
Sione Asi has been bumped off the bench to accommodate Paranihi.
Flanker Brice Henderson has replaced Harrison Brewer on the Turbos’ bench. Henderson last wore the Turbos’ green in 2015.
He had his entire 2016 season ruled out due to a knee injury.
While he was not handed a full Turbos contract this year, he has been training with the team since
preseason began.
Tasman are yet to name their team, but young star Will Jordan is expected to be unleashed at fullback for the Makos with James Lowe the other dangerman in the backs.
Loose forwards Jordan Taufua, Pete Samu and Shannon Frizell will have a point to prove after being bettered by Canterbury last weekend.