Makos named to play Canterbury in Mitre 10 Cup Final
Tasman hooker Andrew Makalio has made a remarkable recovery from a serious hand injury to take his place in the Makos' front row for Saturday's Mitre 10 Cup final in Christchurch.
The Tasman Makos selectors have named a familiar-looking side for Saturday's Mitre 10 Cup premiership rugby final against Canterbury in Christchurch.
The camp has had to deal with a spate of injuries in recent weeks, meaning a series of late fitness tests has been required to confirm the line-up for the decider.
There was good and bad news in the loose forward area. Pete Samu, who left the field with injury during the first half of Sunday's semifinal in New Plymouth, is fit to play but fellow loosie Tevita Koloamatangi has been ruled out, Shannon Frizell taking his place on the other side of the scrum from inspirational skipper Shane Christie.
In another change to last week's starting line-up, lock Quentin Strange who was injured against Southland, replaces the impressive Pari Pari Parkinson in the middle row, operating alongside workhorse Alex Ainley. Parkinson gets a seat on the bench.
A selection sure to raise eyebrows is that of outstanding hooker Andrew Makalio who broke a bone in his hand against Southland on October 16, but passed the required fitness tests to get the nod in the number two jersey, relegating Jesse MacDonald to a powerful-looking bench.
Tim Perry and Ross Geldenhuys get the starting berths at prop with Kane Hames and Siua Halanukonuka again expected to provide impact from the bench.
The backline remains the same. Marty Banks and Kieron Fonotia have been named to start their final games for the union before heading abroad while midfielder Alex Nankivell has kept David Havili, who has made an equally-speedy recovery from a calf muscle injury to get into the mix for the decider, on the bench.
Billy Guyton retains the nine jersey while the familiar back three of James Lowe, Viliami Lolohea and fullback Mitchell Hunt is retained.
Tasman Makos team for NPC final: Mitchell Hunt, Viliami Lolohea, Kieron Fonotia, Alex Nankivell, James Lowe, Marty Banks, Billy Guyton; Pete Samu, Shane Christie (captain), Shannon Frizell, Quentin Strange, Alex Ainley, Ross Geldenhuys, Andrew Makalio, Tim Perry. Reserves: Jesse MacDonald, Kane Hames, Siua Halanukonuka, Pari Pari Parkinson, Ethan Blackadder, Finlay Christie, David Havili, Caleb Makene. The game begins at 7.35pm on Saturday at Christchurch's AMI Stadium.
