Coach Keane picks a squad to 'step up' [Fairfax]
Prop Reuben Northover and threequarter Ben Tyler are the two additions among the seven new faces confirmed yesterday in the Golden Edge Tasman Makos 2014 ITM Cup rugby squad.
Marist and former New Zealand under-20 prop Northover has previous NPC experience, while the Nelson club's ex-Brumbies development squad member Tyler, who can play both fullback and wing, is new to the province this year.
The 27-player squad comprises 20 returning Tasman Makos players and seven new players sourced in the main from regional club rugby with possibly two more players to be added.
Ten of the squad have Super Rugby experience in 2014 - Crusaders Tim Perry and Kieron Fonotia, Highlanders Joe Wheeler and Shane Christie, Chiefs Tevita Koloamatangi, Liam Squire, Tom Marshall and James Lowe and Hurricanes Billy Guyton and Marty Banks.
Bryce Heem has recently returned with the silver medal-winning Commonwealth Games sevens team while former Southland, Highlanders and All Blacks halfback, Jimmy Cowan, brings a wealth of experience to the squad.
David Havili represented the New Zealand under-20s in the recent Junior World Cup and Quentin MacDonald, a former Super player with the Crusaders and Blues and now signed with the Chiefs, returns to the fold following a playing stint with Munster. Waitohi captain and prop Ross Geldenhyus has played Super Rugby in South Africa with the Kings and Lions.
Tasman head coach Kieran Keane said the plan had always been to retain the core of last year's championship-winning squad.
"Because of the success that had been built by them, it was clear that these guys were capable of taking us to the next step and continuing the momentum that we're seeking," he said.
"We're going to step up to a different level of football week by week, so we need a squad that can handle the rigours of that because we play all the top teams in the competition.
"We've gone for proven players and people who have excelled at that level, so wherever possible we've picked them. I'm comfortable that we've got the right players from the area and we've got a team that will mix it with the 11 best teams in the country."
Keane said that there was also plenty of talent among the Nelson Bays and Marlborough South Island championship teams to call on if required.
TASMAN MAKOS
Forwards – hookers: Quentin MacDonald, Jesse MacDonald (both Central); props: Tim Perry (Harlequins), Ross Geldenhuys (Waitohi), Siua Halanukonuka (Wanderers), Reuben Northover (Marist); locks: Joe Wheeler (Harlequins), Alex Ainley (Wanderers), Tevita Cavubati (Waimea Old Boys); back row: Jeff Lepa, Peter Samu (both WOB), Vernon Fredericks (Waitohi), Shane Christie, Liam Squire (both Nelson), Tevita Koloamatangi (Stoke). Backs – halfbacks: Billy Guyton (WOB), Jimmy Cowan (Stoke); first-five: Marty Banks (WOB); midfield backs: Tom Marshall, David Havili (both Nelson), Kieron Fonotia (New Brighton), Mike Wells (Kahurangi); outside backs: Mitchell Scott, Robbie Malneek, Ben Tyler (all Nelson), James Lowe (WOB), Bryce Heem (NZ Sevens).
