Christie injects pride in the jersey [Nelson Mail]

Inspirational Tasman Makos captain Shane Christie has taken his leadership credibility to another level after he required painkilling injections to see out Saturday's epic ITM Cup semifinal win over Canterbury.

In a scenario reminiscent of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw's Rugby World Cup heroics, Christie needed the help of pre-match injections to ease a plantar fasciitis problem in his left foot. And although clearly in pain after accommodating hordes of fans with photos and autographs after the Makos' 26-6 win, he still remained adamant that he'd be available for the final against Taranaki at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth on Saturday.

"I don't see why not, I got through that [semifinal] so why not another 80," Christie said while also acknowledging the significance of Saturday's win.

"It's actually pretty special to do that, I think, against a Canterbury team like that. It's a bloody awesome achievement for us."

Christie agreed that once again, it was all about Tasman's unyielding defence.

"We planned well for what they'd bring on attack, once we stuck to our systems," he said.

"It was pressure from our defence and we just worked hard. There's nothing much to it, just work harder than the opposition and you should get a bit of benefit. That's our culture mate."

But he couldn't bear the thought of missing out next week on the biggest game of the Makos' history.

"I'll be out there. It's a massive challenge. It's great to have a final against Taranaki."

Tasman coach Kieran Keane said management would need to sit down and assess the injury situation after loosehead prop Tim Perry (Achilles) and lock Joe Wheeler (ankle) both left the field on Saturday. However, he said it wouldn't detract from this week's focus.

"I'd suggest that both Tasman and Taranaki are banged up but we're in a final and it's for the top dog in the country - it's our national game. A lot of people wouldn't have believed it but we did," Keane said.

"There's no need for any hype [this week]. We'll sit down and reflect and we know who we've got in the final, so it's business as usual and it's [about] making a plan, agreeing to a plan and practising the plan and carrying the plan off. Nothing's changed."

- The Nelson Mail