An alignment assembly for aligning and positioning an interbody plate over a disc space in between two adjacent vertebrae, the assembly including: a fastener having a long axis and a plate engagement including opposed wings converging towards the axis； and a mate for the fastener configured to receive the fastener thereover at a first end and having a releasable connector with a releasable attachment below the first end； wherein the fastener is releasably secured to the mate for the fastener as it moves therealong； and wherein during use the opposed wings contact one or more edges of an aligning aperture of the interbody plate thereby bringing the interbody plate into alignment with the fastener.
