Tasman Makos named to play Harbour in Albany
Makos' winger Viliami Lolohea, pictured in action against North Harbour in 2015, will start on the right wing on Wednesday night.
When they kick off the final round of Mitre 10 Cup matches on Wednesday, the Tasman Makos have their destiny in their own hands.
The currently sit fifth on the points table, a point outside a semi final spot, but with a crucial game in hand over the four teams ahead of them.
Wins on Wednesday against North Harbour, in Albany, and on Sunday against Southland in Nelson, would assure Tasman of a play-off position.
Anything less will leave the side's chances of lifting the national provincial championship title in the hands of others.
In Tasman's favour is the fact the leading four teams play each other in their final round robin game – Counties Manukau hosting Canterbury and Taranaki at home to Auckland.
It all seems pretty straightforward, especially given the fact premiership side Tasman are coming off their best win of the season, an historic 49-31 victory over Auckland, and North Harbour sit middle of the championship table after a four win/four loss season.
However, a quick glance at the previous encounters between Tasman and Harbour, makes for sobering reading.
The lads from Albany have been a pain in Tasman's backside since they rained on the home team's parade during the new province's inaugural match in Blenheim in 2006.
Since then, Tasman have enjoyed only two victories over the northerners, in 2009 and last season, making them the team the Makos have enjoyed the least success against. Added to that is the fact Harbour are unbeaten at the QBE Stadium in Albany this season.
Why Harbour have become Tasman's "banana skin" side remains a mystery, and Makos' head coach Leon MacDonald knows his side will need to be at their best to get the job done.
"We can't afford to take anything for granted," said MacDonald. "They have a lot of firepower, are well-coached and I think they have conceded the least amount of tries in the competition, and will be playing for a semifinal spot, so they have plenty to play for."
Injuries have again affected the Makos' selection. Loose forwards Shane Christie and Pete Samu have been invalided out, Christie replaced at seven by Tevita Koloamatangi and Samu at eight by Shannon Frizell. The Tasman B loose forward duo of Te Ariki Ben-Nicholas and Braden Stewart, both from Blenheim's Central club, come onto the bench as cover.
The news is better in the backs with star winger James Lowe sufficiently recovered from a hand injury to reclaim his place on the left wing. Centre Kieron Fonotia has also recovered from injury and will take a seat on the bench. The energetic Finlay Christie gets the nod at halfback, while Viliami Lolohea replaces Tima Faingaanuku on the right wing.
Despite the loss of two key loosies, MacDonald feels they have sufficient cover in that position. "The young guys are excited to get their opportunity and will give it heaps ... we have a lot of confidence in the guys we are bringing in ... they won't lack effort and enthusiasm."
Harbour are able to call on an exciting back division and a hard-working, although lesser-known, forward pack.
Wingers Matt Duffie and Tevita Li have pace and power, while inside backs Chris Smylie and Bryn Gatland are an accomplished duo. Matt Vaega and Michael Little, sons of Walter Little and To'o Vaega, both superb international midfielders from the 1990s, are a dangerous combination in the centres.
The next five days may well decide the Makos' season. Two wins will not only assure them a play-off place, it could also earn them a home semi, which would be played in Nelson.
But first things first. The Makos need to beware of that pesky banana skin on Wednesday night if they are to avoid a costly slip-up at the initial hurdle.
At a glance
Wednesday, October 12
Tasman Makos v North Harbour at Albany, kick off 7.35pm.
Tasman Makos: Mitchell Hunt, Viliami Lolohea, Alex Nankivell, David Havili, James Lowe, Marty Banks, Finlay Christie; Shannon Frizell, Tevita Koloamatangi, Ethan Blackadder, Alex Ainley (captain), Quinten Strange, Ross Geldenhuys, Andrew Makalio, Tim Perry. Reserves: Jesse MacDonald, Kane Hames, Siua Halanukonuka, Te Ariki Ben-Nicholas, Braden Stewart, Billy Guyton, Kieron Fonotia, Caleb Makene.
North Harbour: Matt McGahan, Matt Duffie, Matt Vaega, Michael Little, Tevita Li, Bryn Gatland, Chris Smylie; Murphy Taramai, Connor Collett, Glenn Preston, Chris Vui, Gerard Cowley, Sione Mafileo, Adrian Smith, Karl Tu'inukuafe. Reserves: Kalem Chan-Boon, Hani Fatai, Jethro Felemi, Hapakuki Moala-Liavaa, Kane Jacobson, Bryn Hall, Daniel Hilton-Jones, Afa Fa'atau.
Recent encounters:
2015 Tasman 39 North Harbour 20 (Nelson)
2014 No game
2013 North Harbour 23 Tasman 12 (Albany)
2012 North Harbour 42 Tasman 10 (Nelson)
2011 North Harbour 39 Tasman 15 (Albany)
2010 North Harbour 28 Tasman 21 (Nelson)
2009 Tasman 19 North Harbour 15 (Albany)
Current premiership points (as at September 10): Canterbury 40, Taranaki 32, Counties Manukau 29, Auckland 28, Tasman 27, Waikato 25, Hawke's Bay 14.
