Makos upbeat for semi-final despite setback [Marlborough Express]
There is no doubt about it, motivation will not be an issue for the Tasman Makos tomorrow.
When the table-topping Makos run out on to Lansdowne Park to face the Southland Stags they are playing for a spot in their first ITM Cup championship final, and a home final at that. However, a good deal more fuel has been added to their motivational fire.
During the first half of last Sunday's big win over Manawatu, Makos captain and flanker Shane Christie suffered a head knock. He did not return in the second spell and in the days that followed it became clear the inspirational Makos leader and new Highlander would be a longshot for tomorrow's semifinal. On Wednesday, Christie was ruled out for sure.
Tasman coach Kieran Keane said they had no choice but to leave Christie out, but was optimistic they had done their best to alleviate such a huge loss.
"He didn't come through his tests for his concussion and you have to follow the protocols, and protocols would not allow him to be ready in time. I erred on the side of caution and planned and prepared that he wouldn't be there so we've just got to get on with it really.
"We don't want to let anything get in our way in terms of thinking and training, we've got full faith in our boys that are stepping into the breach. I feel for [Shane] because he's our captain, but we've got to get on with life."
Although Christie's absence cannot be understated, especially against the strong Southland loose trio of John Hardie, Tim Boys and Elliot Dixon, the Makos should still be more than competitive in that area. Blockbusting No 8 Liam Squire returns from injury at the back of the scrum, while Harlequins tearaway Gary Redmond will take over the No 7 jersey and Tevita Koloamatangi is on the blindside, all three in good form.
Adding to that, veteran lock Alex Ainley returns from suspension and brings plenty of experience alongside stand-in skipper Joe Wheeler, who will lead the Makos out onto his home ground for the first time.
The other major talking point in the Makos starting lineup is wing James Lowe returning from a week off at fullback, with 81-game veteran Robbie Malneek named on the bench. While he has not played there for the Makos this season, Lowe has played plenty of fullback during his young career and was superb in the No 15 jersey for 2013 Nelson Bays club champions Waimea Old Boys.
Lowe is joined in the back three by unchanged wings Mitchell Scott and Bryce Heem and, although he acknowledged Malneek had been a great servant to the Makos, Keane said the selections were based solely on form.
"The team's been selected on form and that's what we consciously went out and did, we chose the people that have been performing. You can't deny the fact the back three we've selected have been in form.
"Robbie's been a great campaigner for the Makos, but his form is a little bit behind what it was this time last year. We're lucky we've got people that can step into the breach and that's what we've done, gone for form."
Elsewhere in the Makos starting 15, the front row of Tim Perry, Quentin MacDonald and Sila Puafisi remains unchanged. The same can be said of inside back duo Billy Guyton and Marty Banks, and midfield combo Tom Marshall and Kieron Fonotia.
Southland won just four of their 10 round-robin matches, as opposed to the Makos' eight, are coming off a 25-7 loss to Counties Manukau and have lost their past two encounters to Tasman. However, do not expect an experienced Stags outfit to be pushovers tomorrow.
Always a side that brings a lot of grunt in the forwards and plays with plenty of pride, Southland prevailed in their first four contests with the Makos and will certainly not be discounting their chances in a one-off match.
Keane agreed the Stags would come with everything they had, but said his side had been focusing internally and felt it was important they did not forget what had got them this far.
"It's a semifinal and a clean slate and they bring experience. They've been there before and we have to recognise that and take that into account, but at the same time we don't want to tighten up and be nervous and go away from what's been successful all season.
"It's about keeping on, paying attention to the detail and getting everybody on the same page. Southland are formidable, and they know how to get into a scrap so that's great for them, but we've been concentrating more on ourselves than worrying about Southland."
SEMIFINAL FACTS
Tasman Makos v Southland
Where: Lansdowne Park, Blenheim.
When: Saturday, 4.35pm kickoff.
Tasman Makos: Tim Perry, Quentin MacDonald, Sila Puafisi, Alex Ainley, Joe Wheeler (c), Tevita Koloamatangi, Gary Redmond, Liam Squire, Billy Guyton, Marty Banks, Mitchell Scott, Tom Marshall, Kieron Fonotia, Bryce Heem, James Lowe. Reserves: Francis Smith, Siua Halanukonuka, Tevita Cavubati, Vernon Fredericks, Mark Swanepoel, Andy Symons, Robbie Malneek.
Southland Stags: Jamie Mackintosh, David Hall,Nick Barrett, Josh Bekhuis, Michael Fatialofa, John Hardie, Tim Boys, Elliot Dixon, Tayler Adams, Scott Eade, Keanu Kahukura, Willis Halaholo, Cardiff Vaega, Bryan Milne, Robbie Robinson. Reserves: Talemaitoga Tuapati, Juan Koen, Hale T-Pole, Naulia Dawai, Nemia Kenatale, Calvary Fonoti, Marty McKenzie.
Referee: Kane McBride.
Last match: Round one, 2013: Tasman 25 Southland 15 at Rugby Park, Invercargill.
Head-to-head: Played 6: Southland 4 wins, Tasman 2 wins.
TAB odds: Tasman $1.20, Southland $4.20.
Weather forecast: Fine, light winds. High 23 degrees C.
