Makos named to play Northland as they arrive at an early crossroads
Tasman Makos centre Kieron Fonotia in action during a previous match against the Northland Taniwha.
They may be only five weeks into an 11-week season, but the Tasman Makos are already at a crossroads.
A 30-27 loss to Otago on Saturday condemned the NPC premiership side to a two win/two loss record, meaning Friday evening's clash with championship side Northland at Nelson's Trafalgar Park becomes a vital encounter.
"It's a must-win match", said head coach Leon MacDonald. "We are going into a couple of premiership games [after Northland] so we have to perform.
"A win would also do wonders for the team's morale … to prove we are good enough.
"The boys were quite down after the Otago game so a good result [on Friday] would help get us back on track, give us some momentum and a bit more belief."
While disappointed with the Otago outcome, MacDonald was happy with some areas of his side's game.
He described it as a "mixed bag". Although the Makos scored points in the first half with relative ease against a good defensive side, they were guilty of a poor start and of "falling asleep" later in the game. Then, when they tried to close out the game, they lost vital momentum following a couple of what MacDonald considered contentious refereeing calls.
The Makos got their fair share of possession in Dunedin and dominated field position, another pleasing turnaround for MacDonald. "We have been struggling to get ball in the first three games, so we were unable to build phases and get our attack going. We certainly did that in patches against Otago, so that was a positive. But we seem unable to string both together, get the attack and defence working well."
The Makos' selectors have made two changes to the previous starting XV. Tighthead prop Ross Geldenhuys shifts to the bench, replaced by Blair Princep. The only variation in the backline sees NZ under-20 player Caleb Makene given his first Makos start, coming onto the left wing in place of Alex Nankivell.
Tim O'Malley is a fresh face on the bench, the Waitohi club first five returning to the match day 23 for the first time since the Waikato game.
The lineout has been a problem area for a Makos side missing key components Joe Wheeler and Quentin MacDonald, especially after Tasman have boasted the best-performing NPC lineout in the past two years. Time together should solve the issue but a more clinical approach is needed to provide a reliable attacking base.
Northland, although winless after five games, are a dangerous opponent. They came close to beating Otago and Manawatu, then scored 34 points against Canterbury in the last round. They have no problems scoring points, but have conceded more than any of their championship rivals.
A familiar face in their squad is former Waitohi, Marlborough and Makos utility back Daniel Hawkins, who played Super Rugby for the Melbourne Rebels. The mercurial playmaker will wear the 10 jersey for the Taniwha on Friday, after the late withdrawal of regular first five Peter Breen with injury.
Having to deal with a short turnaround following Saturday's game, and what MacDonald described as "an interesting" match review by the players and management, the Makos have put in a lot of hard work, both mentally and physically, to prepare for their next challenge.
"Hopefully we will see a good response on Friday," said MacDonald, "that's the plan anyway."
Despite winning half their matches, the Makos sit second from bottom of the premiership table and in danger of losing touch with the top-placed teams. Four, or hopefully five, points from this match will keep them on track for a semifinal position. Anything less will heap unwanted pressure on a side battling to find its feet in 2016.
At a glance
Friday, September 16
Tasman Makos v Northland at Trafalgar Park, Nelson - kick off 5.45pm.
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Tasman Makos: Mitchell Hunt, Tima Faingaanuku, Kieron Fonotia, David Havili, Caleb Makene, Marty Banks, Billy Guyton; Pete Samu, Shane Christie (captain), Tevita Koloamatangi, Shannon Frizell, Quinten Strange, Blair Princep, Andrew Makalio, Tim Perry.
Reserves: Jesse MacDonald, Ross Geldenhuys, Kane Hames, Jeff Lepa, Ethan Blackadder, Finlay Christie, Tim O'Malley, Trael Joass.
Northland: Guy Wood, Solomon Alaimalo, Warren Dunn, Tamati Tua, Jordan Hyland, Dan Hawkins, Sam Nock; Matt Matich, Kara Pryor, Tom Robinson, Shane Neville, Josh Goodhue, Phil Kite, Matt Moulds, Namatahi Waa.
Reserves: Ross Wright, Howard Sililoto, Matt Talaese, Michael Faleafa, Jack Ram, Malcolm MacLeod, Solomona Paraki, Waisea Lawebuka.
Previous years:
2015 No game
2014 No game
2013 Tasman 28 Northland 13 (Whangarei)
2012 Northland 20 Tasman 17 (Blenheim)
2011 Northland 19 Tasman 9 (Whangarei)
2010 Tasman 34 Northland 29 (Nelson)
