Tasman up for biggest game in short history [Nelson Mail]
Expect both teams to be firing on all cylinders when the Tasman Makos and Canterbury square off in their ITM Cup premiership semifinal at Trafalgar Park, in Nelson, tomorrow night.
Apart from All Blacks No 10 Dan Carter's continued absence from the Canterbury line-up due to injury, both teams are at full strength for arguably the most significant contest of Tasman's brief nine-year history.
Last year's championship success earned Tasman the right to compete on the big stage with New Zealand rugby's top provincial sides this season and for the most part, they've handled a tough assignment with confidence and a good deal of panache.
However, even the Makos' most ardent fans should be advised against expecting a repeat of Tasman's recent 38-10 win over Canterbury in Christchurch. Although a worthy and well-deserved victory, Tasman poked the bear and after calling in their anticipated reinforcements, Canterbury will provide a significantly more formidable challenge this time round.
Canterbury will be well-motivated and primed for the sudden death match - exactly the kind of contest they've thrived on over the past six years as they now look to secure their seventh straight title.
Still, Tasman have earned justifiable respect and while wary of Canterbury's increased strength and firepower tomorrow, won't be deviating from their traditional up-tempo and confident approach.
Their recent injury concerns have eased, with Tim Perry returning at loosehead prop after a two-week spell, pacy flanker Pete Samu back in the No 6 jersey and Liam Squire backing up after last week's return at No 8. It means that Vernon Fredericks, one of Tasman's star performers over the past few weeks, will provide excellent impact off the bench.
Rookie David Havili had been putting pressure on Tom Marshall as centre Kieron Fonotia's midfield partner, though Marshall's experience has been preferred in a backline full of attacking promise.
Canterbury halfback and captain Willi Heinz returns to the side having recovered from a knee injury, moving Mitchell Drummond to the bench. Richie Mo'unga slots back into the fullback position this week with Colin Slade away with the All Blacks.
Tasman coach Kieran Keane has been pleased with his team's build-up and acknowledged the sense of occasion surrounding tomorrow's match.
"We had a good training today and the boys are excited about the opportunity," Keane said.
"It's a massive challenge. We know the best team that they can put on the park will be facing us and we'll have our best team we can put on the park challenging them and it'll be a neat occasion.
"It'll be a great opportunity for the rugby supporters and public to come out and have a great day. It's wonderful. It's great for our two little villages and it's great for the players and for Tasman rugby. It's just a day that you dream about and it's here in a couple of days so let's enjoy the whole experience.
"If we're good enough, we'll win. We'll get what we deserve."
- The Nelson Mail
