Backline injury woes dog Makos [Nelson Mail]

The Tasman Makos rugby team has emerged from their epic Ranfurly Shield clash against Taranaki on Saturday with one significant injury.

Centre Bryce Heem suffered a shoulder injury during the first half of the shield clash and was forced off the field. Coach Kieran Keane said Heem was likely to be out for at least two weeks which would rule him out of four matches, the Makos having three in seven days from Sunday, followed a week later by another.

Fullback Robbie Malneek is another in doubt for Sunday's clash against Manawatu at Palmerston North having also suffered a shoulder injury against Taranaki.

Keane said Malneek has a "reasonable chance" of playing and at this stage he would not be bringing anyone else into the squad.

Tom Marshall's fate should be known later today. The Crusaders utility back has missed the start of the season with a shoulder injury, a significant loss for the squad but one with which they have coped.

Utility back George Millar, from the Harlequins club in Blenheim, hasn't taken the field yet. He replaced the injured Mitchell Scott in the squad but, with such a hectic schedule over the next week, he's likely to make his debut if Scott remains on the injured list.

Keane said the team had reviewed the heartbreaking 49-40 loss to Taranaki and were ready to move on.

"I hope they can get up [for Manawatu]. We've buried it [the Taranaki match]. It's in the coffin and now refocusing is the challenge.

"We've got three matches close together. The boys have got good intentions but I've never seen a team win on good intentions. Manawatu is a must-win for us. No point in getting up for the big shield game and dropping our bundle against Manawatu."

The Makos are expected to name their team for Sunday's match tomorrow.

Kick-off on Sunday is 2.35pm followed by successive games at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim against Southland on Wednesday at 7.35pm and on Sunday week against Northland at 2.35pm.