Franchises quick to snap up Makos talent [Fairfax]
Tasman players will have a greater presence than ever when the 20th edition of Super Rugby kicks off in Christchurch on Friday.
Reflecting the top of the south franchise's growing status in provincial ranks is the increased presence of Makos among the New Zealand franchises. Fourteen Tasman players from 2014 were contracted pre-season, with others set to play their part as injury cover.
The widest representation comes at the Chiefs, pre-season favourites for this year's title. Tom Marshall, James Lowe, Bryce Heem, Tevita Koloamatangi, Liam Squire and Quentin MacDonald will battle for places in a star-laden squad, champions in 2012-13.
The Highlanders, rank outsiders among the New Zealand franchises at the TAB, can call on five Makos - Joe Wheeler, Shane Christie, Alex Ainley, Ross Geldenhuys and Marty Banks.
Kieron Fonotia and Tim Perry, a late starter after recovering from a torn achilles tendon, are the Tasman duo at the Crusaders although Billy Guyton may see game time given the seven-time champions' halfback injury crisis.
Interestingly, first choice No 9 Mitchell Drummond is also a Tasman lad, although now aligned with Canterbury. Rising star David Havili is in the wider training squad.
Veteran halfback Jimmy Cowan is the only Tasman player at the Blues, again coached by John Kirwan, while the Hurricanes are Mako-less.
Australia's Western Force will also benefit from the Makos influence. Livewire winger Mitchell Scott signed a two-year deal with the Perth-based outfit and has impressed in pre-season play.
Another player for Makos fans to keep an eye on is Highlanders prop Kane Hames, who has signed up with Tasman for this year's NPC campaign.
The presence of so many of their players on the Super Rugby landscape can be a double-edged sword for the Tasman coaches, Kieran Keane and Leon MacDonald. Although they will get a host of battle-hardened troops back before the NPC kicks off, their preparation is adversely-affected with so many players being rested prior to their provincial commitments.
