Makos named to play Taranaki in Semi

Anthony Au-Yeung

Tasman's Mitch Hunt prepares to kick ahead during the 2016 NPC semifinal against Taranaki.

They may be up against the form team of the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup, but the Tasman Makos won't be daunted by the challenge they face in Taranaki on Saturday evening.

Apart from last weekend's loss to North Harbour, where Taranaki fielded a virtual B team, the Bulls have swept all before them through the latter stages of the NPC season. They qualified top for the semifinals - but will be taking nothing for granted when they meet a familiar foe at Yarrow Stadium.

Last season Tasman also ventured to the Naki for a semifinal, and came away with the spoils, so they know how to win in New Plymouth.

Since they met in the 2014 premiership final these teams have been at each other's throats on a regular basis. Their contests may not yet match some of the great rivalries of New Zealand rugby, but they are getting there.

Tasman head coach Leon MacDonald said, "the rivalry between Tasman and Taranaki just seems to keep growing - it's great. 

"It's going to be a hell of a challenge to go there and win but we are definitely confident ... we have won tough games on the road this year, against good teams. We know that we are in the hunt."

MacDonald said he didn't expect last week's 52-30 loss to Counties Manukau to affect the players' mindsets for Saturday. "You inject seven new starters into Saturday's team and add the challenge of a semifinal, so there is plenty to get excited about. We were disappointed with how we finished that game, but we are not losing sleep over it because there is no point as we have a big game to get ready for."

As was expected after several of Tasman's first choice players were rested for the Pukekohe encounter, there have been a multitude of changes to the Makos' line-up for Saturday's semi.

Front rowers Tim Perry and Andrew Makalio return, joining youngster Tryrel Lomax up front. Ti'i Paulo and Tom Hill will sit on the bench, alongside Siua Halanukonuka.

Shannon Frizell is recalled to join skipper Alex Ainley at lock, while Jordan Taufua is reinstated to the No 8 role, alongside young guns Ethan Blackadder and Vernon Fredericks.

A major loss is experienced halfback Billy Guyton. He suffered a head knock last week and has not recovered sufficiently so Finlay Christie gets the starting role, with Marlborough halfback Ben Finau coming onto the bench.

Mitch Hunt reclaims the 10 jersey, Alex Nankivell and Levi Aumua combining in midfield. After a week off, James Lowe and Will Jordan return to the back three, alongside right winger Tima Faingaanuku.

On the bench, Pari Pari Parkinson and Braden Stewart have been bracketed pending a fitness test on Parkinson.

Interestingly, and underlining the winds of change that have swept through the Makos ranks this season, only four of the starting line-up from last year will reprise that role this year - Perry, Hunt, Lowe and Ainley.

MacDonald said the players who had been rested on Saturday had fronted up well at training this week, fresh and ready to go. "We have seen a really good response from them, the energy they have brought to training has been awesome, and that's what we expect."

When Tasman met Taranaki earlier this season discipline was a big talking point, with a player sent off plus several yellow cards.

MacDonald says his side's discipline has improved since that game but they were certainly conscious of the need to keep the officials on-side. "[Discipline] will play a big part, as it does in any finals game, but we are going to have to be good in all areas. There is no second chance this week."

At a glance

Tasman Makos v Taranaki at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth - kick off 7.35pm, Saturday

Tasman Makos: Will Jordan, Tima Faingaanuku, Levi Aumua, Alex Nankivell, James Lowe, Mitch Hunt, Finlay Christie; Jordan Taufua, Vernon Fredericks, Ethan Blackadder, Shannon Frizell, Alex Ainley (captain), Tyrel Lomax, Andrew Makalio, Tim Perry. Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Tom Hill, Siua Halanukonuka, Braden Stewart, Pete Samu, Ben Finau, Tim O'Malley, Trael Joass.

Taranaki: Marty McKenzie, Declan O'Donnell, Sean Wainui, Charlie Ngatai (captain), Seta Tamanivalu, Stephen Perofeta, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi; Toa Halafihi, Lachlan Boshier, Pita-Gus Sowakula, Leon Power, Kane Thompson, Angus Ta'avao, Ricky Riccitelli, Mitchell Graham. Reserves: Donald Maka, Jared Proffit, Reuben O'Neill, Fin Hoeata, Adrian Wyrill, Kylem O'Donnell, Johnny Fa'auli, Jackson Ormond.

Previous meetings:

2017  Taranaki 40 Tasman 26 (New Plymouth)

2016 Tasman 25 Taranaki 20 (Nelson); Tasman 41 Taranaki 29 (New Plymouth) - NPC semifinal

2015 Tasman 35 Taranaki 17 (New Plymouth)

2014 Taranaki 31 Tasman 30 (Nelson); Taranaki 36 Tasman 32 (New Plymouth) - NPC final

2013 Tasman 27 Taranaki 20 (New Plymouth)

2012 Taranaki 49 Tasman 40 (New Plymouth)