Makos skipper expects fast and furious clash with Waikato
Tasman Makos captain and flaker Shane Christie.
We chat to Tasman Makos captain Shane Christie in the first of a series profiling Makos players during their Mitre 10 Cup campaign.
The flanker is well regarded for his high work rate and is considered a natural leader.
With 63 games under his belt he has thoroughly earned his 50+ game blazer.
Shane has played for the Highlanders Super Rugby team since 2014 and was nominated for ITM Cup Player of the Year at the Steinlager Rugby Awards in 2014 when he led the Tasman Makos to their second ITM Cup final in two years.
He has been named in the Maori All Blacks in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
This is the first of two games for the team in Blenheim. How are the boys looking forward to it?
We love playing in Blenheim as normally it's a big crowd, hopefully it will be the same on Sunday!
What do you enjoy about playing at Lansdowne Park?
The crowd in Blenheim are close to the action and always noisy as well as supportive. The pitch is also normally good for running rugby, which is great.
What do you expect going into the clash with Waikato?
They will play it fast and spin it wide. They are young and enthusiastic and really good on attack.
When did you start playing rugby and what do you love about it?
I was 5-years-old when I started, I love the friends I have made and the good people you meet.
When you were a youngster did you ever think you would be captaining a provincial side?
No, not really. I never thought I would.
What do you think it is about the Makos that has made it such a special outfit?
Our culture, especially over the last few years, we continue to try and build and improve that and this season we are working extra hard to make our culture the best it's ever been.
Stats:
Position: Loose forward
Age: 30
Makos #: 82
Club: Nelson
Height: 1.84m
Weight: 107kg
Games: 63
