Makos are Canterbury's 'little brother' no longer
Canterbury may have won seven out of the past 10 national provincial championship rugby finals, but Tasman have nothing to fear from their southern rivals.
In fact, given recent results, the boot may be on the other foot.
Not too long ago, when the Makos fronted up against the Red and Blacks it was a case of "little brother versus big brother" and the result was predictable.
But no more. Since 2010, when the Makos notched up their first win over Canterbury in the revamped NPC, the top of the south side boast a superior win/loss record, racking up four victories over the past six seasons, to Canterbury's three.
Thanks to the spreading tentacles of rugby professionalism, the playing field is now level.
Both sides approach this match from a similar position, They have players on All Blacks duties, plus a wealth of Super Rugby participants, and both won their opening games over premiership rivals, leaving the scene set for a torrid battle at Christchurch's AMI Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Tasman head coach Leon MacDonald says, "we used to go out and try to upset them, but now we back ourselves to beat anybody in the competition, if we get it right.
"But we have a massive amount of respect for Canterbury. Razor [coach Scott Robertson] is a very good coach, they way they destroyed Auckland [43-3], hardly making a mistake ... he's got them working well straight away."
Tasman have made several changes to their starting pack for Sunday, some tactical and one injury-related.
With veteran lock Alex Ainley out for a few weeks with a hand injury, Jeff Lepa joins Quinten Strange in the middle row. Up front, Ross Geldenhuys replaces Blair Prinsep at tighthead prop and Jesse MacDonald comes in at hooker, while Shannon Frizell, who impressed during a brief stint against Waikato, gets the nod at six. The addition of last week's All Blacks debutant Kane Hames to the reserves adds depth to a strong bench, with Tevita Koloamatangi also suiting up this week.
MacDonald explained the changes by suggesting they have opted for the "hardest-working pack we could possibly pick". "That is what it is going to take against Canterbury. We will have to work really hard all game to tip this team up."
The return of record point scorer Marty Banks is a feature of the backline selection. He slots in at 10, pushing Mitchell Hunt to fullback and David Havili to second five-eighth, with Alex Nankivell moving to the bench. Impressive halfback Finlay Christie retains the starting spot in front of the more-experienced Billy Guyton.
MacDonald says the return of Banks is a big plus. "Just having a guy that has been around our team for a long time, someone who knows how we operate. He will help with our game management, solving problems on the field."
The selection of the Crusaders' pairing of Havili and Fonotia in midfield is another attempt to add vital experience to the mix. "Their backline cut Auckland to pieces at times so we want guys that have been there in big games before."
MacDonald stressed the importance of this game in the Makos' season. "It's one of the big games of the year for Tasman. The guys are excited and have trained well.
"Against Waikato our performance, in terms of effort, was an eight or nine out of 10, but in terms of accuracy it was probably a four or five.
"The video highlighted a lot of improvements we can make. If we can match the accuracy with the effort we will have a good result."
At a glance
Sunday, August 28
Canterbury v Tasman Makos at AMI Stadium, Christchurch - kick off 2.35pm.
Referee: Shane McDermott
Tasman Makos (provisional): Mitchell Hunt, Tima Faingaanuku, Kieron Fonotia, David Havili, James Lowe, Marty Banks, Finlay Christie; Vernon Fredericks, Shane Christie (captain), Shannon Frizell, Quinten Strange, Jeff Lepa, Ross Geldenhuys, Jesse MacDonald, Tim Perry. Reserves: Andrew Makalio, Kane Hames, Blair Prinsep, Pete Samu, Tevita Koloamatangi, Billy Guyton, Alex Nankivell, Jesse Pitman.
Canterbury (team from last week): Canterbury: Jordie Barrett, Johnny McNicholl, Jack Goodhue, Rob Thompson, Nathan Earle, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Luke Whitelock, Billy Harmon, Reed Prinsep, Dominic Bird, Scott Barrett, Siate Tokolahi, Ben Funnell, Alex Hodgman. Reserves: Nathan Vella, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Oliver Jager, Luke Romano, Jed Brown, Jack Stratton, Inga Finau, Ben Volavola.
Previous five years:
2015 Canterbury 41 Tasman 25 (Nelson)
2014 Tasman 26 Canterbury 6 (Nelson) semi final
2014 Tasman 38 Canterbury 10 (Christchurch)
2013 Canterbury 28 Tasman 13 (Blenheim)
2012 Tasman 25 Canterbury 22 (Nelson)
2011 Canterbury 36 Tasman 32 (Blenheim)
2010 Tasman 27 Canterbury 25 (Nelson)
