Tasman field stronger lineup for Otago preseason clash
South African-born Queensland Reds lock Marco Kotze will start for Tasman against Otago. Photo: CHRIS HYDE/GETTY IMAGES
The Tasman Makos will field a significantly stronger lineup for Saturday's preseason rugby clash with an Otago XV at Nelson's Trafalgar Park.
After Wednesday's 47-19 loss to Manawatu in Palmerston North, Tasman's selectors Kieran Keane and Leon MacDonald have brought back some of last year's regulars in a bid to produce a more positive performance.
Notable selections are the inclusion of former Waikato, Otago and Highlanders player Trent Renata at first five-eighth and South African-born lock Marco Kotze who was a member of this year's Queensland Reds Super 15 squad. The 28-year-old, 1.94m-tall and 109kg lock is purely on trial at this stage after Ben Sadrugu and Will Carrick-Smith were both given an opportunity to impress on Wednesday.
Also notable is the inclusion of winger Kade Poki among a lengthy reserves bench, Poki having played the last of his previous 40 games for the Makos in 2010 before heading to Southland. His most recent gig has been with the Kubota Spears in Japan.
The Otago XV will also field a familiar face, with former Tasman and Waimea Old Boys halfback Kaide Whiting named in the No 9 jersey. Kaide Whiting played seven games for Tasman.
The game kicks off at 6pm at Trafalgar Park.
TASMAN MAKOS: David Havili, Robbie Malneek, Trael Joass, Alex Nankivell, Mitchell Scott, Trent Renata, Jimmy Cowan, Liam Squire, Pete Samu, Shannon Frizell, Marco Kotze, Joe Wheeler, Ross Geldenhuys, Jesse MacDonald, Tim Perry. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Jake Stafford-Wood, Jeff Lepa, Quinten Strange, Tone Ng Shiu, Shane Christie, Billy Guyton, Marty Banks, Kieron Fonotia, Kade Poki.
OTAGO XV: Tony Ensor, Gavin Stark, Matt Faddes, Michael Collins, Jack Wilson, Peter Breen, Kaide Whiting, Mika Mafi, James Lentjes, Adam Knight, Jackson Hemopo, Joe Latta, Scott Manson, Sam Sturgess, Donald Brighouse. Reserves: Junior T-Pole, Craig Millar, Blair Tweed, Naulia Dawai, Josh Renton, Fletcher Smith
