Marshall injury forces reshuffle [Fairfax]
Key midfielder Tom Marshall will miss tomorrow's ITM Cup rugby clash against Southland through injury as the Tasman Makos attempt to rebound from last Thursday's gut-wrenching loss to Taranaki.
A shoulder injury to Marshall has meant a reshuffle in tomorrow's midfield with Kieron Fonotia moving in a place from centre and Bryce Heem switching from wing to the No 13 jersey. It's one of several tweaks to the side that lost 31-30 to Taranaki after the final hooter five days ago at Trafalgar Park, with winger Mitchell Scott also returning from injury to add his express pace to Tasman's attack.
Scott has been out since injuring an ankle against Hawke's Bay in round one, although the other crucial selection tomorrow is that of flanker and captain Shane Christie, who was rested against Taranaki. And according to coach Kieran Keane, it's a welcome return for the influential and inspirational No 7.
"It's great to have him back and he's looking better for the break . . . he looks fresh and eager," Keane said.
Keane was also relaxed about the new midfield combination that's been forced on him, opting for the experience of Fonotia and Heem.
"We could have gone one or two ways and that was our choice in the end, mainly because these players have been together a lot more and a whole new midfield, which was the alternative, was not the way the go. At this stage, our new boys have only really been a part of the group for six weeks and some are still finding their feet.
"Mitchell's [also] proven himself for us [and] we feel confident that he'll step up, albeit coming straight back from injury. He's been around the scene for a while, and I don't think we can go down to a place like Southland with inexperience."
Mike Wells is another player returning from injury and will take his place on the bench, with prop Siua Halanukonuka also not considered due to a rib complaint.
Of particular interest to Southland diehards will be the return of former Southland and Highlanders halfback Jimmy Cowan to his old haunts, with Cowan selected to start in the No 9 jersey tomorrow for Tasman.
Keane said the team had purposely taken the focus away from Cowan in the build-up.
"He'll be fired up inside, but he knows what the priorities are, we've got to go down there and do a job ... and Jimmy's well aware of that."
Keane was also satisfied that the players have addressed the issues surrounding their shock late capitulation to Taranaki after seemingly having the game won.
"I think the players have handled the situation pretty well actually," Keane said. "There's no doubt we're seriously disappointed about what happened and there's a host of different anecdotal reasons for it.With Tasman leading 30-24 and the final hooter already sounded, Tasman's decision to run the ball from an attacking scrum backfired as a subsequent penalty provided Taranaki with the opportunity to score the match-winning try. The loss ended an 11-match unbeaten run for the side stretching back to last September.
"But the fact is, we just have to move on and what's done is done and there's no point in dwelling on the past. If we did dwell [on it] and worry about that, then it might impact on the whole team.
"We've dumped it now, it's been addressed and I doubt if you're going to see a repeat. Only a fool makes the same mistake twice so I'm confident our boys won't do that. We're just moving on with the whole thing."
As a former Highlanders assistant coach, Keane is well versed in the dangers lurking in the deep south for teams that don't rise to Southland's typically rugged challenge.
"They've had a short turnaround and we've got a pretty good idea about what they'll do. But to be honest, it's more about how we perform in our eyes.
"Reality says we have to win this game and it'll be a big ask down there, but I think the weather's going to be fine so that's a plus for us. We've just got to get back on the horse and go all out to win."
