Makos named to play Counties in Pukekohe
Pete Samu has been given the Makos' No 8 jersey for Saturday's clash with Counties Manukau in Pukekohe.
The Tasman rugby selectors have balanced a desire to maintain their winning momentum with a need to rest several key players before the Mitre 10 Cup semifinals.
The Makos team, which will tackle Counties Manukau on Saturday evening in Pukekohe, is much-changed from the side which tipped over Auckland in Nelson on Sunday.
Into the starting line-up for the final round comes Tasman B winger Tomas Aoake, on debut, with Tima Faingaanuku shifting to fullback in place of young fullback Will Jordan who gets a well-deserved break. Jordan's pace and nose for the tryline have become a feature of the Makos' attack in recent weeks and will be key come play-off time.
Tasman hooker Ti'i Paulo will start against Counties Manukau.
Alex Nankivell, on the injury list last week, returns to the midfield for Saturday, pushing the imposing Levi Aumua to the left wing. Regular first five Mitch Hunt has been left out of the squad, a chance to rest some injury niggles, with Tim O'Malley earning his second start of the season.
Once again O'Malley will be paired with Finlay Christie, first choice No 9 Billy Guyton back on the bench after turning in an inspirational effort in his 50th match on Sunday.
Pete Samu, a late withdrawal from the previous side has been chosen to start at No 8, replacing the reliable Jordan Taufua, who has shouldered a massive workload this season. Taufua misses the opportunity to play against his previous team, having turned out for the Steelers from 2014 until 2016, but is given the chance to shake off some minor injuries. Vernon Fredericks and Ethan Blackadder, both outstanding against Auckland, complete the loose forward unit.
Skipper and lock Alex Ainley steps back into the starting line-up, with the increasingly-impressive Shannon Frizell getting the weekend off. Up front, Ti'i Paulo comes in for hooker Andrew Makalio, who is nursing a leg injury.
The Tasman bench is a mix of experience and youth. Gnarly prop Siua Halanukonuka and Guyton provide the big match maturity, while four of the other reserves are set to make their Makos' debut if they enter the fray.
Prop Ryan Coxon, a member of the World Cup-winning 2017 NZ under-20 team, has yet to be called on this year so will be keen to show his wares at NPC level.
Underlining the Makos' youth policy is the fact three members of the union's under-19 team will sit on the bench in Pukekohe. Samiuela Moli, a standout for the Marlborough Boys' College First XV in 2014-15, will cover the hooking role, offering energy and a wide range of skills. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta is a dynamic loose forward who has impressed at a lower level all season while midfielder Rupena Parkinson, the Tasman under-19 captain, is given his chance to step up.
Counties Manukau have had a chequered season and have lost inspirational halfback Augustine Pulu, who copped a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle during their win over Manawatu last Thursday. However, they are full of proven game breakers and will be keen to impress in their final game.
Tasman, on the other hand, have a semifinal to look forward to, although they will be very aware that they can't get ahead of themselves. Carrying momentum into the play-offs is vital, along with the opportunity to pinch third spot on the table if North Harbour lose to Taranaki.
Makos' assistant coach Leo Crowley added, "Momentum's massive, we've won six out of seven and the confidence is there.
"Obviously you want to get third because it gives you that slight hope that if things went your way you could host a final ... so we'll be doing our utmost to beat [Counties] and let the other games happen as they happen."
At a glance
Saturday, October 14, 7.35pm
Tasman Makos v Counties Manukau Steelers at ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe
Referee: Paul Williams
Tasman Makos: Tima Faingaanuku, Tomas Aoake, Trael Joass, Alex Nankivell, Levi Aumua, Tim O'Malley, Finlay Christie; Pete Samu, Vernon Fredericks, Ethan Blackadder, Pari Pari Parkinson, Alex Ainley, Tyrel Lomax, Ti'i Paulo, Tim Perry. Reserves: Ryan Coxon, Sam Moli, Siua Halanukonuka, Te Ahiwaru Ciridevita, Braden Stewart, Billy Guyton, James Hawkey, Rupena Parkinson.
Counties Manukau: Tim Nanai-Williams, Albert Nikoro, Nigel Ah Wong, Orbyn Leger, Luteru Laulala, Stephen Donald, Liam Daniela; Sam Henwood, Fotu Lokotui, Ronald Raaymakers, Matiaha Martin, Jimmy Tupou, Coree Te Whata-Colley, Joe Royal, Sean Bagshaw. Gafatasi Su'a, Sesimani Tupou, Kalolo Tuiloma, Viliame Rarasea, Johnathan Kawau, Vuga Tagicakibau, Baden Kerr, Tevita Nabura.
Previous encounters
2016 Tasman 15 Counties Manukau 10 (Blenheim); 2015 Counties Manukau 42 Tasman 33 (Pukekohe); 2014 Counties Manukau 21 Tasman 16 (Blenheim); 2013 Tasman 40 Counties Manukau 20 (Pukekohe); 2012 Tasman 28 Counties Manukau 19 (Pukekohe); 2011 Counties Manukau 32 Tasman 23 (Blenheim); 2010 Counties Manukau 23 Tasman 3 (Pukekohe)
2017 games
Tasman: lost to Canterbury 39-0; lost to Manawatu 35-20; beat Waikato 31-29; beat Wellington 37-35; beat Otago 29-27; beat Southland 50-17; lost to Taranaki 40-26; beat North Harbour 21-14; beat Auckland 31-18
Counties Manukau: beat Auckland 16-14; lost to Waikato 33-21; lost to Taranaki 30-27; lost to North Harbour 27-18; lost to Canterbury 78-5; beat Hawke's Bay 33-14; drew with Bay of Plenty 31-31; beat Northland 25-16; beat Manawatu 29-24
Premiership standings (after nine games): Taranaki 41, Canterbury 36, North Harbour 32, Tasman 30, Counties Manukau 22, Auckland 17, Waikato 15.
