Tasman Makos named to play Canterbury
Tasman flanker Shannon Frizell is congratulated by team-mates Alex Nankivell, left, James Lowe, and Billy Guyton after scoring a try in last year's Mitre 10 Cup premiership final loss to Canterbury. All four have been named in the starting XV for Friday's rematch in Nelson.
The Tasman Makos have named 10 Super Rugby players in the starting line-up for their Mitre 10 Cup opener.
On Friday evening Tasman will host Canterbury in a repeat of the 2016 premiership final.
Vastly-experienced lock Alex Ainley will lead a formidable side onto Trafalgar Park, hoping to turn around a 43-27 loss to the Red and Blacks in last year's cup decider. The Makos' tight five all boast Super Rugby experience. Ainley and Highlanders team mate Siua Halanukonuka will provide a hard edge, while hooker Andrew Makalio, Pete Samu, who takes former skipper Shane Christie's place in the seven shirt, Ethan Blackadder and No 8 Shannon Frizell are exciting and penetrative ball-carriers.
Blues halfback Billy Guyton gets the nod ahead of exciting Chiefs No 9 Finlay Christie while Mitchell Hunt slots in at first five. Trael Joass and Alex Nankivell, who impressed against Wellington last week will again team up in midfield, with Viliami Lolohea and Tima Faingaanuku on the wings and versatile game-breaker James Lowe chosen at fullback.
There is plenty of talent available on the bench, with former All Black Kane Hames waiting in the wings. Levi Aumua and Willis Scott will earn their first caps if they take the field.
Not considered for selection through injury or illness are utility loose forwards Vernon Fredericks and Jordan Taufua, fullback Will Jordan, prop Ryan Cozon and lock Pari Pari Parkinson. David Havili, a member of the All Blacks squad, has trained with the team but is not cleared to play.
Eleven of the Makos playing XV started in last year's final.
Friday's game kicks off at 7.35pm.
Tasman Makos: 15 James Lowe, 14 Tima Faingaanuku, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Trael Joass, 11 Viliami Lolohea, 10 Mitchell Hunt, 9 Billy Guyton; 8 Shannon Frizell, 7 Pete Samu, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Alex Ainley (c), 3 Siua Halanukonuka, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Tim Perry. Bench: 16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Tom Hill, 18 Kane Hames, 19 Tone Ng Shiu, 20 Willis Scott, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Tim O'Malley, 23 Levi Aumua.
Canterbury: George Bridge, Poasa Waqanibau, Tim Bateman, Rob Thompson, Josh McKay, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond; Luke Whitelock (c), Jed Brown, Tom Sanders, Dominic Bird, Mitchell Dunshea, Siate Tokolahi, Ben Funnell, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Nathan Vella, Alex Hodgman, Oliver Jager, Reed Prinsep, Billy Harmon, Jack Stratton, Brett Cameron, Caleb Makene.
