Stags will test Makos [Fairfax]

FAIRFAX NZ

GREAT SCOTT: Mitchell Scott, seen here crossing for a try in last season’s NPC semifinal against Southland in Blenheim, is back on the wing for Tasman tomorrow night in Invercargill.

Following some serious soul searching after their last-minute NPC meltdown against Taranaki, a chastened Tasman Makos team heads south today to meet Southland.

Tomorrow night's Invercargill encounter will likely indicate the mental strength of this Tasman squad. The manner of their demise on Thursday will still be gnawing at them and their growing band of supporters.

The opportunity to get back on the paddock within a week, and right the wrongs of the previous outing is there tomorrow. But just how much emotional and physical toll the 31-30 defeat has taken on the Makos remains to be seen.

Despite letting three points slip through their fingers at Trafalgar Park, Tasman sit third on the premiership table, but have two difficult away fixtures to negotiate during the busiest week of their season. Tomorrow the Stags lie in wait, then the Makos cross Cook Strait on Sunday for a 4.35pm meeting with Wellington at Westpac Stadium.

The Makos player under most scrutiny tomorrow night will be former Stag Jimmy Cowan. The former All Blacks halfback played 100 matches for his home province and returns for the first time as part of another provincial side. Given Cowan's competitive nature and professionalism, he will be fully focussed on lowering the colours of his once beloved Stags.

Makos coach Kieran Keane said the team had purposely taken the focus away from Cowan in the buildup but said, "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."

Cowan will be part of a backline with just one personnel change. Experienced midfielder Tom Marshall has an injured shoulder and is expected to be absent for three weeks. His loss results in Kieron Fonotia moving to 12 and Bryce Heem to centre. Mitchell Scott comes into the side and will play on the right wing, while Mike Wells comes into the reserves.

Up front the return of skipper Shane Christie will strengthen the pack, his work at the breakdown being sorely missed against Taranaki. He replaces Tevita Koloamatangi who drops out of the squad. Prop Reuben Northover comes into the reserves for the injured Siua Halanukonuka.

Keane is pleased to have Christie back in the fray. "There's a bit of a spring in his step again. He seems to be over his knee issues."

The coach sees tomorrow's match as "a hell of an important fixture for us".

Keane says the side have tried to put Thursday's disappointment behind them. "I think everybody has bounced back. Certainly Rangi [assistant coach Leon MacDonald] and I are over it. We have to move on. We can't dwell. What's done is done."If we go down there and perform and win the game then we are back on the horse. If we lose the game then we have put our backs to the wall, so there's a serious amount at stake."

"We were travelling along quite sweetly there - it would be nice to get back on the same track. There's no point in wasting good energy [worrying about the previous match]."

As they showed in their dramatic 36-34 win over Northland on Saturday, Southland at home are no pushovers. They sit fourth on the championship table after registering wins over Bay of Plenty, North Harbour and Northland.

While Southland's strength appears to lie up front, they also possess a slick attacking backline. The Stags have averaged 26 points per match this season, so have no trouble scoring points. Their pack is led by inspirational front-rower Jamie Mackintosh, with experienced Highlanders forwards Josh Bekhuis, John Hardie, Tim Boys and Elliot Dixon for company.

Behind the scrum Lima Sopoaga runs the cutter. His accurate goalkicking and dangerous running game to the forefront of their successes this season.

Last season the Makos enjoyed playing Southland, beating them 25-15 in Invercargill and 49-28 in Blenheim in the championship semifinal.

But each season brings different challenges, and the Stags will be a formidable foe.

"Southland at home, they grow a leg," said Keane. "Perhaps the only thing in our favour is that the weather forecast, long range, is quite good, so it should make for an entertaining game."

Tasman Makos: Robbie Malneek, Mitchell Scott, Kieron Fonotia, James Lowe, Marty Banks, Jimmy Cowan; Liam Squire, Shane Christie (captain), Pete Samu, Alex Ainley, Joe Wheeler, Ross Geldenhuys, Quentin MacDonald, Tim Perry. Reserves: Jesse MacDonald, Reuben Northover, Tevita Cavubati, Vernon Fredericks, Billy Guyton, Mike Wells, David Havili.

Southland Stags (from): Junior Ngaluafe, Lolohea Loco, Mark Jackman, Willis Halaholo, Keanu Kahukura, Lima Sopoaga, Scott Eade, Elliot Dixon, Tim Boys, John Hardie, Michael Faitalofa, Josh Bekhuis, JP Koen, Talemaitoga Tuapati, Jamie Mackintosh (captain), Dillan Halaholo, Tony Keresoma, Michael Stewart, Bill Fukofuka, Tayler Adams, Jamie Verran, Cardiff Vaega.